Jahan Rasty, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering received the Best Technical Presentation award during the NAFE 2026 Winter Conference.
Jahan Rasty, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University received the Best Technical Presentation award during the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) 2026 Winter Conference.
The conference, hosted in New Orleans by the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, recognizes leading work in forensic engineering. The organization is considered a premier association of practicing forensic engineers in the United States.
Rasty’s presentation, titled “Material Selection Error in Body Armor Design: Forensic Investigation of Bullet Penetration in Steel Armor Plates,” examined a detailed failure analysis involving bullet penetration in steel armor. The research highlighted the consequences of material selection errors in protective design and demonstrated a comprehensive forensic investigation approach.
Only eight papers from across the United States and Canada are selected for presentation at the semiannual NAFE conference. These presentations reflect the latest advances in investigative forensic engineering and are considered for publication in the organization’s peer-reviewed journal.
Following the presentations, the selection committee awarded the Best Technical Presentation honor to Rasty and his co-authors, Matthew Mills, Luke Blackwell and Cameron Rasty.
The recognition underscores the impact of Texas Tech engineering research on national conversations surrounding safety, materials performance and forensic investigation.