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Prior days' news: By date | Search This week's print issue Back issues: By date | Search April 18, 2007Kevin P. GranataKevin P. Granata, 45, a professor of engineering science and mechanics at Virginia Tech, could talk for hours about his passion: biomechanics. “He had an amazing intellect and would challenge every assumption,” says William S. Marras, a professor of industrial, welding, and systems engineering at Ohio State University. He was a mentor to Mr. Granata, who earned a doctorate from Ohio State in 1993. The two men had recently been awarded a grant to do research on how the spine reacts under stress. Mr. Granata was widely known among scientists who study neuromuscular control and the mechanics of motion and stability. And he developed a special interest in probing how people with cerebral palsy move.  Virginia Tech Colleagues of Mr. Granata say he published an impressive number of scientific articles (66) during his career. He was serious and unassuming and favored working with students over promoting his work at conferences and meetings, says Ian Stokes, a professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Vermont, who works in the same field as Mr. Granata. Mr. Granata’s office was always open and filled with students, recalls Raffaella De Vita, an assistant professor of solid mechanics and biomechanics, whose office was next to Mr. Granata’s. Another Virginia Tech colleague, Michael L. Madigan, an assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics, says Mr. Granata was always available to listen to his concerns and offer advice. Outside of work, he spent most of his time with his three children and wife. Mr. Madigan says Mr. Granata took up coaching his two sons’ lacrosse team this spring, even though he knew nothing about the sport, because no one else volunteered for the job. But Mr. Granata read all about lacrosse and ended up enjoying being a coach, says Mr. Madigan. —Andrea L. Foster Posted on Wednesday April 18, 2007 | Permalink | |