Warren Rice, an emeritus professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering who was on the faculty of ASU for more than 30 years, died on June 5, 2009. Rice was at ASU from 1958 until 1990, and was one of the early leaders of engineering research at the University. He was the "father of engineering research ... a major force in improving the quality and quantity of engineering research at ASU," said Harold Nelson, a former ASU engineering student and faculty member. Rice had numerous significant research publications, and won several top teaching awards. He was a consultant to numerous companies, universities and research programs from 1948 to 2000. His expertise included some of the early efforts in environmental engineering. Rice earned his bachelor's and master's degrees and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. He is survived by a daughter, a son, two siblings, five grandchildren and partner Geraldine Quisenberry.