ASCE has honored Ben Leshchinsky, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, with the 2020 Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award for his invaluable contributions to the analysis and design of multiple geotechnical systems and a superb ability to transfer sophisticated concepts and mathematical evaluations often restricted to academic circles into the hands of practitioners.
Leshchinsky’s professional accomplishments align with the legacy left by Professor Casagrande. He is an outstanding educator and researcher, and has made a profound impact on geotechnical engineering, both research and practice. His contributions to the understanding of the stability of slopes and the use of innovative geosynthetic reinforcement systems for retaining structures have had a significant effect on geotechnical and geosynthetics engineering, respectively. These inputs are reflected in a truly outstanding portfolio of journal publications and awards. His contributions have also been presented at a significant number of events, including special lectures, short-courses, webinars, Educate-the-Educator courses and workshops.
The Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award is presented in recognition of outstanding accomplishments as evidenced by completed works, reports or papers in the field of geotechnical engineering. The award was established to provide professional development opportunities for outstanding young practitioners, researchers and teachers of geotechnical engineering.
