College of Engineering and Science Alumni Awardees

Derek Novak '94 is the senior vice president of classification and standards at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a maritime classification society. In this role, he serves as the technical authority for ABS, guiding the interpretation and development of the rules and standards that safeguard life, property, and the natural environment across the global maritime and offshore industries.

While at Florida Tech, Novak served as student government president during his senior year and was active in the College Players and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. While at Florida Tech, he worked at Structural Composites, gaining hands-on experience with advanced composite materials. That experience, combined with the mentorship of his Florida Tech professors, directed him toward an opening at ABS.

Over a career spanning more than 30 years at ABS, Novak has held just about every engineering position in the organization. He specialized early on in high-speed vessels and advanced materials, leading engineering review teams and the development of multiple ABS Rules and Guides. He has authored or co-authored more than 20 technical papers related to these topics.

As president of the ABS Pacific Division in Singapore, Novak led approximately 1,000 employees across nearly 20 countries and served on Singapore's National Maritime Safety at Sea Council. As corporate vice president and chief engineer, he served as the technical authority on all ABS Rule interpretations and guided ABS positions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Outside of ABS, Novak enjoys the opportunity to guest lecture at maritime universities, is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and has served in the Leadership Circle of the United Way of Greater Houston. He currently serves on the Florida Tech College of Engineering and Science Advisory Board.

Novak met his wife, Laura, at Florida Tech, and they have been married for 28 years. He is exceptionally proud of his two daughters, both of whom also attended Florida Tech. His eldest graduated with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 2024 and an M.S. in Systems Engineering in 2025.