Testimonials
“In 1987, you firmly put U Lowell on the map in the modal analysis community with contributions in correlation and updating. Quite some innovations! LMS utilized those techniques. You were the gifted numerical analysis person to bridge the gap to test in exceptional ways. A great vision on the value from test and analysis complementing each other – confirmed even today.”
- Jan Leuridan Executive Vice-President & CTO LMS International
“Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in teaching the best modal analysis courses available anywhere. My favorite parts of each class were the projects, which drove home the important aspects. It was great to be part of the MACL as a research assistant, preparing for and attending IMAC conferences to see first-hand how well respected you and the program you put together at the University of Lowell are internationally.”
‘The endless oral exams were intimidating… now an engineering executive meeting is considered mild. College became more than just "school". In the MACL lab, working with you, Pete, and others, it became more of a community – it was a great place to spend time and learn. The MACL days felt like my real University time, where we worked on larger, more open-ended projects that were a transition to the type of work I do now. This is ultimately my most memorable and special time at ULowell.’
“Congratulations … for an outstanding teaching and research career that has so positively influenced many aspiring students at UMASS Lowell. You made enormous contributions on building the credibility of the university in modal analysis that I frequently hear your name synonymous with the UMass Lowell modal analysis program being one of the best, if not the best program in the country.”
“I only had one course with Professor O’Callahan, but it was a semester that helped me define both my academic and career path. His abilities as a teacher and his passions for the subject hooked me. For a man with such a mastery of a complex subject to be able to possess such patience and understanding with students very much his junior was amazing to me. A professor of his caliber will leave a hole at the university and impossible to fill."
“I am most indebted to Dr. John O'Callahan for his help, guidance and support throughout all of this research. In addition to this work, Dr. O'Callahan has been a very important influence during the many years of association prior to this work. Words cannot describe my appreciation for having the rare opportunity to be associated with him and learning from him for over 20 years. His dedication to his work and his students is rarely seen. The sacrifices that his family has given has allowed many students, including myself, to become who we are today.”
In closing …
John’s contributions to the structural dynamics community were significant and long lasting. He will be remembered by many people, in many different ways, depending on their interaction with him in their various dealings. But rest assured John will not be forgotten. He has touched many in different ways. I am the beneficiary of having known John, worked with John, and learned from John for many decades.
Sincerely,
Peter Avitabile
President 2016, Society for Experimental Mechanics
Professor Emeritus, Mechanical Engineering
Structural Dynamics and Acoustics Systems Laboratory
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Avenue
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
Email: peter_avitabile@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-3176