Meet New Engineering Faculty
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Clinton Jeffery Clinton joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering as an Associate Professor of Computer Science with expertise in the areas of computer languages, compilers, system support for computation, and software visualization. Clint obtained a B.S. degree in Computer Science from University of Washington in June 1987, a M.S. in Computer Science from University of Arizona in 1989, and a Ph. D. in Computer Science from University of Arizona in 1993. He came from New Mexico State University with an impressive record of funded research programs in the area of computing research infrastructure.
Indrajit Charit Indrajit joins the college as an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Charit joins the University of Idaho following a three-year post-doctoral appointment at North Carolina State University's Nuclear Engineering Department where his research expertise was applied to high-temperatures materials for next generation nuclear reactors and nanocrystalline alloys for energy application. He also has diverse classroom experience mentoring and teaching engineering students. Indrajit received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Rolla in Metallurgical Engineering in 2004 with a dissertation related to friction stir welding; a novel technique to join metals by literally 'stirring' solid parts together. He received masters and baccalaureate degrees in metallurgy and metallurgical engineering in India from the Indian Institute of Science and Bengal Engineering College. He is well published, he is quickly becoming a nationally recognized expert in materials behavior.
Supathorn Phongikaroon Supathorn joins the University of Idaho, College of Engineering in Idaho Falls as an Assistant Research Professor of Chemical Engineering. Supathorn obtained a B.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park in 1997, and a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park, in 2001 His expertise is in the advance nuclear fuel cycle, reprocessing, and materials separations. He is also a popular instructor with the students; receiving teaching awards while at the University of Maryland and high recommendations from graduate students at the University of Idaho. From October 2001 to October 2004, Supathorn received a NRC Postdoctoral Assistantship in the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. Since November 2004, he is associated with Idaho National Laboratory as a Chemical Engineer, where he applies his expertise to the development of advanced nuclear fuels and processes that may result in more efficient use of nuclear energy while greatly reducing waste. Presentation title is "Development of New Chemical Engineering Applications in Pyroprocessing Technology".
Akira Tokuhiro Akira joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering at Idaho Falls as an Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He is currently an Associate Professor of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University and formally an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. Tokuhiro received his Ph.D. degree in nuclear engineering from Purdue University in 1991; his M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester in 1984, and his B.S.E. in engineering physics from Purdue. He brings to the University of Idaho active research programs in energy where he applies his mechanical and nuclear expertise.
Gabriel Potirniche Gabriel joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering with expertise in Computational Mechanics in areas that include, but are not limited to, nano-materials, MEMS, structural optimization, and/or fatigue and fracture. Potirniche will conduct research as well as advise and teach undergraduate and graduate students. Gabriel obtained a B.S. from Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Department of Transportation in 1995, a B.S. from the Academy of Economic Studies of Bucharest, Department of Management in 1998, a M.S. in Mechanics from Polytechnic University of Bucharest in 1998, a M.S. in Transportation from Polytechnic University of Bucharest in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University in 2003. He has served as a Post Doc in the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems at Mississippi State University from 2003-2006. Currently, he is serving as a Research Assistant Professor in the same institution.
Jay McCormack Jay joins the University of Idaho College of Engineer as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering with expertise in Design in areas that include solid modeling, design methodology, design automation, life-cycle engineering, entrepreneurship, lean manufacturing, six sigma, and design pedagogy. In addition to research and laboratory teaching, McCormack will advise and teach undergraduate and graduate students. McCormack obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1998, his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 2000, and his Doctoral of Philosophy Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 2003.
Eric Wolbrecht Eric joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering with applied expertise in dynamics systems, with interest and expertise in areas that include controls, mechatronics, electromechanical design, and/or robotics. In addition to research and laboratory teaching, Wolbrecht will advise and teach undergraduate and graduate students. Wolbrecht obtained a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University in 1996, a M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University in 1998, and a Ph.D. degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California, Irvine in 2007. His research is focused on the control development of "Pneu-WREX", a pneumatic orthosis for upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke (computational modeling and experimental analysis of human neuromotor control, Lyapunov-based adaptive controller design, experimental determination of mass flow characteristics of pneumatic Festo servovalves, kinematic and dynamic analysis, mechanical design improvements, Kalman fliter design using MEMS accelerometers, low noise data acquisition, sensor selection and installation, and safety system design and testing).
Elowyn Yager Elowyn joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering Boise as an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering with expertise in fluvial geomorphology. Yager's integration of fluvial geomorphology and hydraulic engineering will assist in understanding the physical processes related to the sustainability of rivers, floodplains and wetlands. The linking of engineering, geomorphology and ecology has been the defining aspect of Center for Ecohydraulic Research and helps student recruitment as well as preparing our students for how large scale restoration is conducted in practice. Yager's additional experience in model development, GIS and/or river restoration or aquatic ecosystem management will add to the capabilities of the research currently performed by the CER participants. Elowyn's expertise is in the areas of mechanics of flow and sediment transport in rivers, evolution of channel morphology, impacts of channel roughness and sediment supply on aquatic habitat, influence of climate and tectonics on river systems, and an experience in model development, GIS and/or river restoration or aquatic ecosystem management.
Daniel S. Choi Daniel joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering as an Associate Professor of Materials Science Engineering with expertise in electronic materials. Daniel received his B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering, from Seoul National University in 1988, his M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from University of California at Los Angeles in Electronic Materials in 1992, and his Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering from University of California at Los Angeles in Nanoelectronics in 2000 (Fabrication and Characterization of Bismuth Nanowires). Dr. Choi has been with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Device Research and Application Section since 1999.
Dr. Suat Utku Ay Suat joins the University of Idaho College of Engineering as an Associate Professor of Materials Science with an expertise in analog electronics. Ay obtained his B.S. Degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Yildiz Technical University in Turkey in 1991, a M.S. Study in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Yildiz Technical University in 1994, a M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering - Electrophysics from University of Southern California in 1997 major in Electrical Engineering, and a Ph.D. Degree major Electrical Engineering - Electrophysics - from University of Southern California in 2005. He has been a Senior VLSI Design Engineer, Analog Lead, with Micron Technology for five years, and with VLSI Design Engineer with Photobit Technology Corporation for four years. This is an Assistant Professor level position with an expertise in the field of analog electronics with areas that include, but are not limited to: analog VLSI, mixed-signal IC design, or radio-frequency IC design. |