Dr. Straatman is recognized for his innovative research, his outstanding contributions to engineering education, his development of unique programs, and his dedication to leadership in engineering. He has conducted fundamental and collaborative research that has led to patenting of novel technologies that save water and energy. He has created unique programs to enrich engineering education and has been recognized at the highest level for his excellence in university instruction. He is past president of the Computational Fluid Dynamics Society of Canada, Fellow, Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and is currently Chair of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Western University.