Zinn, a Regents' professor and the David S. Lewis Jr. chair in the School of Aerospace, is an expert in the dynamics of flow, combustion, propulsion and energy conversion systems. Zinn is also director of the NASA University Research Education Technology Institute (URETI) Center for Aeropropulsion and Power based at Georgia Tech. The center's research is aimed at improving aircraft engines technologies.

"The contributions of Ben Zinn over a four decade career in combustion and propulsion research are internationally recognized for their influence on the field of aerospace propulsion. It's entirely appropriate that this unusual and highly capable facility bear his name," said Dr. Robert Loewy, chair of the School of Aerospace Engineering.

Zinn's current research focuses on low emission combustors, improving the performance of liquid rockets and investigating the control of combustion processes in power generating gas turbines and jet engines. His research has been supported by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, the Departments of Energy and Commerce, the National Science Foundation and industry.

"I am very honored to receive this special recognition from Georgia Tech - an institution that has provided me with unparalleled opportunities to develop as a person and as a professional in my field," Zinn said. "Since this award would not have been possible without the support of many highly talented colleagues, students and administrators, I wish that there was some way that I could share this award with them."

Zinn started his career at Georgia Tech in 1965 as an assistant professor. He has published extensively and lectured throughout the world, and is also a co-holder of nine patents. He received his Ph.D. and M.A. in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Princeton and his M.S. in mechanical engineering from Stanford.

Zinn is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.