GREENVILLE, S.C. (Nov. 18 2005) — Michelin Tire North America Inc. has established a young innovators award for middle school-aged children in South Carolina's upstate area to honor Ibrahim Janajreh, a scientist who worked in Michelin's research and development division for 15 years before dying earlier this year.
Dr. Janajreh is perhaps best known as the project leader for the Michelin X One wide single truck tire, which replaces dual tires with one, converting an 18-wheeler into a 10-wheeler. Dr. Janajreh was honored in 2000 for his work on the X One with the InnoVision Technology Development Award.
InnoVision is an awards program that recognizes achievements in innovation and technological excellence in the upstate region. It was created by Deloitte & Touche USA L.L.P., which administers the program.
Michelin created the new award, the Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovators Award, in partnership with InnoVision.
“Ibrahim was an incredible talent,” said Terry Gettys, president of Michelin Americas Research & Development Corp., where Dr. Janajreh worked. “But more than a brilliant scientist, he was an even more amazing human being. He was a talented colleague, a great friend, a wonderful husband and father who was actively working to make his community and the world a better place. Ibrahim loved children and had a passion for innovation.”
Before joining Michelin, Dr. Janajreh was a rocket scientist, developing rocket motors for the U.S. Army through the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Va. He held nine patents with Michelin and had published a dozen technical papers worldwide.
Dr. Janajreh is survived by his wife Laurie and eight children. He was a former president of the Islamic Society of Greenville.