Swanson School honors Daniel Giel as Distinguished Alumnus in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Above: Daniel Giel (center) with Department Chair Brian Gleeson (left) and Interim U.S. Steel Dean Sanjeev Shroff
The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering feted its 2023 class of Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 3 at the University Club. Recognized among this year's honorees was Daniel T. Giel BSME '75 as the Distinguished Alumnus in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.
“From Naval Nuclear Submarines to improving the lives of humans and animals, Dan truly is an interdisciplinary engineer,” said Brian Gleeson, Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. “He utilized his expertise and experience in mechanical and nuclear engineering to begin an outstanding career in radiology, and eventually a successful practice in radiation oncology for animals, treating a menagerie from a Siberian tiger to dolphins and others. We are honored to recognize him for his dedication, passion, and engineering excellence.”
About Daniel Giel
Daniel T. Giel served in the United States Navy, attending Nuclear Power School and serving on submarines for seven years. After discharge from the Navy, Giel worked in radiation safety for the University of Pittsburgh and enrolled in engineering school, attended part-time and graduated from the school of mechanical engineering. Giel then worked at Montifore Hospital from 1972-1977. Enrolled part time in the Graduate School of Public Health, Giel received a Master of Science in Hygiene, with concentration on Radiation Health. He is certified in both radiation therapy and diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology. Giel also received a master’s degree in Safety Science from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He practiced medical physics until retirement in 2013 and is an emeritus member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. After retiring, Giel held a consulting role with a veterinary radiation oncologist in the treatment of cancer in animals. Giel is a member of the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads and was Rotarian of the Year in 2019.