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April 4, 2005 Vol. 76, no.11S
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| NE professor William E. Kastenberg
received his B.S. and M.S. in engineering from UCLA in 1962 and
1963 and his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Berkeley in 1966.
He joined the faculty at UCLA in 1966, and after 28 years, returned
to Berkeley for a faculty position. His research interests include
development and application of risk assessment and risk management
methods for complex technological and natural systems.
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Professor
Minute with NE professor William Kastenberg
If you had decided not to go into engineering, what other career
would you have today?
I wanted to be an engineer as long as I can remember. I was building
model airplanes, bridges, and robots by the time I was 10 years old.
There was a brief period in high school when I thought about becoming
a medical doctor.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like visiting family (grandchildren) and friends, yoga, traveling
to exotic places and spending time in nature.
How can a student get through your hardest class?
I have become a big fan of "Inquiry-Based Learning," which
requires students to do independent research, outside reading, ask lots
of questions, pay attention in class and be highly self-motivated.
To date, what has been the most memorable moment in your career
and why?
Eight years ago I was asked by President Clinton's science advisor
to review the final safety analysis report for the launch of the radioisotope
thermoelectric generator that is powering the electronics on the Cassini
spacecraft. All launches containing radioactive materials must be approved
by the President of the United States according to International Law.
Cassini approached Saturn on June 25, 2004 (my birthday), and has been
sending back fantastic pictures of Saturn's rings and moons ever
since.
What CD are you listening to at the moment?
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
If you would like us to
feature your favorite professor, please e-mail his or her name to engnews@coe.berkeley.edu.
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