Six professionals with ties to Missouri University of Science and Technology were inducted into the Missouri S&T Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers at a dinner and induction ceremony held in Rolla, Mo., on Oct. 9.

The academy recognizes outstanding alumni for their professional achievement and success, and provides organized assistance to the mechanical and aerospace engineering department at Missouri S&T.

New members are:

Dennis Bell of Steelville, Missouri, president of Steelville Manufacturing Co. Bell earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1980. As a student, Bell became manager and part owner of Steelville manufacturing in 1978. He was named president of the company in 1980. He steered Steelville Manufacturing to becoming a preferred supplier of structural components to McDonnell Douglas and has continued that distinction with Boeing.

Lawrence O. “Larry” Brase Jr. of St. Louis, technical fellow in structures technology for Boeing. Brase earned a master of science degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri S&T in 1986. He earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Saint Louis University in 1977 and a master of engineering management degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1997. Brase began his career as a structural dynamicist on the F/A-18 A/B program. He has worked on numerous aerospace vehicles, from concept through flight test on major production, advanced design and proprietary programs. As a Boeing Technical Fellow and designated expert, he is instrumental in resolving many complex engineering problems. He is active in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he serves as the focal for the 1,200-plus Boeing members and recently on the International Board of Directors.

Alan L. Lasley of Redbud, Illinois, retired adjunct assistant professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Lasley earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1964 and an MBA from Drury University in 1974. He started his engineering career with North American Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then held positions at Martin Marietta, Boeing, Springday Co. Tamko Asphalt Products and Masonite Co., before he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he taught industrial technology courses for 21 years in the university’s off-campus program.

Dawn J. Meyer of St. Charles, Missouri, a senior manager of defense, space and security for Boeing in St. Louis. Meyer earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri S&T in 1987. She earned a master of science degree in engineering management from George Washington University in 1991 and an executive masters in international business from Saint Louis University in 2006. She began her career with the Naval Air Systems Command serving in various management and project engineering positions for aircraft and weapons platforms supporting military domestic and international operations. She joined Boeing in 1996 and has held a variety of management positions as a logistics manager for Navy and Air Force programs. Currently, Meyer is a functional manager responsible for excellence in product support for people, tools and processes across the company. She is also a U.S. representative for AIA/ASD developing a series of international logistics specifications.

Dr. Jayant Ramakrishnan of Houston, chief operating officer form Bastion Technologies Inc. Ramakrishnan earned master of science and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1983 and 1987, respectively. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Madras, India. He began his career in the aerospace industry working for NASA contractors Dynacs Inc., ARES Corp. and Bastion Technologies in engineering and management positions. Today, Ramakrishnan is chief operating officer for Bastion Technologies and a member of the board of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Breck Washam of Chesterfield, Missouri, vice president of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc. Washam earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1990. That same year, he joined Burns & McDonnell, where he has held positions of increasing responsibility, including assistant mechanical engineer, lead mechanical engineer, project engineer, project manager, principal and officer. He is currently general manager of the company’s St. Louis Regional Office. A licensed professional engineer in Missouri and Indiana, Washam is an active member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, serving as president-elect in 2014-15, the Engineers’ Club of St. Louis, and Circle Club of St. Louis. He is a member of the Order of the Golden Shillellagh donor recognition society and has served as an area director for the Miner Alumni Association.