In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Horman

Dr. Michael Horman, Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University, passed away on September 15, 2009, while teaching a graduate course in Production Management. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl and two children, Joshua and Olivia. Even after the fall semester ended, his sudden passing remained a shock to many of us, espe-

 cially those who were involved in his research endeavors. We will always feel privileged for the opportunity to have him as our graduate adviser and friend.

Dr. Horman was born in 1971 in Melbourne, Australia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction in 1994 and a doctorate in construction project management in 2000, both from the University of Melbourne. Dr. Horman began teaching at Penn State in 2000, focusing his research on developing innovative processes for high performance buildings. He specialized in the delivery of green buildings and the application of lean production principles to streamline project delivery processes and advance sustainability. Dr. Horman was also the director of the Lean and Green Research Initiative at Penn State. In memory of his work, we are striving toward future advancements in this area of research at Penn State.

Dr. Horman built strong connections with the construction industry, and his research allowed him to be involved in projects such as the Pentagon Renovation Project, Toyota Real Estate and Facilities, NAVFAC, and the local Penn State Office of the Physical Plant on campus projects, as well as in the endeavors of many other companies. He helped projects advance green building goals while also applying lean principles to their processes. In 2006 Dr. Horman was recognized with a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation for his contribution to building industry research.

While he advanced his career, Dr. Horman’s family provided counterbalance and support to his life. He cherished every moment with his wife and children, often speaking fondly of them during weekly research meetings and recalling the happiness they brought him.

Dr. Horman played an influential role for all of us and many of his previous graduate students; he always offered sympathy and support in our personal and professional lives. He was our mentor, adviser, and teacher—but most importantly, he was a caring and jovial friend. Dr. Horman was passionate about his work, energetic, funny, caring, loving, exceptionally smart, and genuine. We always looked forward to weekly Lean and Green Research meetings and, more regularly, to one-on-one research meetings. We would leave each encounter with him excited, motivated, and inspired to continue research. Dr. Horman knew how to balance work with fun regardless of the circumstances and was always willing to set aside his current projects to share a laugh or life lesson. His memory is kept alive through our continued work, and he is greatly missed by all!