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H. Joel Lenoir , P.E.
Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Western Kentucky University

 

EDUCATION

  • A.B.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, August 1988. Thesis: Parameter Identification for the ORNL CESAR Manipulator, funded through Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL).
  • B.S.M.E. with High Honors, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, June 1984.
  • Registered professional engineer (PE), KY #19617.


CURRENT POSITION

  • Western Kentucky University, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering.
  • Instructor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, August 1994-August 1997
  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, August 1997-August 2002
  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, August 2002-present
  • James L. Layne Professorship in Mechanical Engineering: Appointed to this position in August 1998 after an internal search and review process. This appointment is intended to:
  • Provide leadership to the ME program and the Department of Engineering in the establishment of project-based learning experiences centered on the concept of “design-build-test”.
  • Provide a “bridge” to regional industries to identify “real-life” project opportunities for faculty and students that integrate existing and emerging technologies.
  • Seek opportunities for external funding, state, federal, and private, to support continued development of the program and department.
  • Participate in the delivery of the instructional program and assist the department in response to accreditation criteria related to incorporation of design concepts in the curriculum.


EXPERIENCE AND CONTRACTS

  • Industrial Experience
  • Michelin Americas Research Corporation, Greenville, SC, June 1984 - August 1986. Mechanical Engineer, Customer Quality Assurance group. Responsible for technical/quality functions in tire-testing development.
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Oak Ridge, TN, September 1986 - March 1988. Instrumentation and Controls Division. Graduate Research Assistant for M.S. degree
  • Regional Consulting
  • Span Tech, Inc., Glasgow, KY. Paid consultant on a regular basis since 1997. Design and development of mechanical systems.
  • Petroleum Asset Management Corporation (PAMCO), Bowling Green, KY, Summer 1997 – September 2000. Paid consultant to the company in a variety of design, development, test, and instrumentation positions.
  • Wide range of short-term and pro-bono projects with regional companies. Development, DFx, PLC’s, High Speed Video Camera, Rapid Prototyping, etc.
  • Contracts and Fee-for-Service Agreements
  • Total of 8 contracts since 1999 totaling $66,000. Total of 24 students and 3 faculty/staff involved in projects.


PRINCIPAL PUBLICATIONS

  • “An Integrated Mechanical Project for Freshman and Sophomore Design”, J. Lenoir and K. Schmaltz, 2005 Frontiers in Education Conference, October 19-22, Indianapolis, IN.
  • “Senior ME Capstone Laboratory Course”, K. Schmaltz, C. Byrne, R. Choate, and J. Lenoir, ASEE 2005 Annual Conference and Exposition, June 12-15, Portland, OR.
  • “A Combined Vibrations and Controls Course for Mechanical Engineering”, ASEE 2005 Annual Conference and Exposition, June 12-15, Portland, OR.
  • “Integrated Professional Component Plan from Freshmen Experience to Senior Project”, C. Byrne, R. Choate, J. Lenoir, and K. Schmaltz, ASEE 2004 Annual Conference and Exposition, June 23-26, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • “The Wobbler Steam Engine: A Connection Between the Past, Present, and Future of Mechanical Engineering”, ASEE 2004 Annual Conference and Exposition, June 23-26, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • “Introduction To Industrial Automation, A Multi-Disciplinary Course At Western Kentucky University”, M. Cambron and J. Lenoir, ASEE 2004 Annual Conference and Exposition, June 23-26, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • “Capstone Design Collaborations: Guidelines for Success”, CIEC 2001: Conference on Industry and Educator Collaborations in Engineering and Engineering Technology, January 2001, San Diego, CA.
  • “The Roles of the Student in a Project-Based Engineering Curriculum”, Co-author: John P. Russell. Presented at the International Conference on Practice-Oriented Education: Transforming Higher Education, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, April 24-27, 2001. Also presented in a slightly different form at Implementing Problem-Based Learning in Higher Education, Manchester U.K., January 16-17, 2001. Paper presented in engineering section of conference and bound into proceedings.
  • “Derivative Projects as a Model for Successful Senior Capstone Design”, ASME 1999 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Symposium, METDHC session, November 14-19, 1999, Nashville, TN.


ACTIVITIES

  • Member and Student Section Advisor, Society of Automotive Engineers
  • Associate Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
  • Life member of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society.
  • Life member of Pi Tau Sigma mechanical engineering honor society.
  • Member of Academy of Model Aeronautics.

 
TEACHING AWARDS

  • Nominated for Ogden College Teaching Award, 2000 and 2005.
  • 1992 Apprentice Faculty Grant Award, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Educational Research and Methods division. Nationally competitive award given to a graduate student or new faculty member recognized for teaching abilities and "commitment to an academic career".
  • 1990-91 Du Pont Teaching Fellow Award. Nationally competitive award given to ten US native doctoral students. One of two mechanical engineers selected. Emphasis was on innovative and committed teaching as a graduate student.

 
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE

  • Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering and formerly Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1995-present.
  • Faculty advisor for multiple SAE, IEEE, and ASME student competition projects.
  • Active in creation of new engineering programs and development of curriculum, policies, and accreditation plan.
  • Lead faculty member in design of new engineering building, 2000-2005.
  • Various university committees including College Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, Dean’s Advisory Board.

 
CONTINUING EDUCATION

  • RS Logix software, Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI, August 2001.
  • ABET conference/workshop, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, April 2001.
  • NSF workshop enrollment for summer 1999:
  • “Introductory Engineering Design, Engineering Design Graphics, and Technical Graphics Problem Solving”, NSF Grant No. DUE-9752714, Central Michigan University, June 7-15, 1999. Two design projects and statement of design philosophy published in nationally disseminated document.
  • “Material Aspects of Manufacturing Technology”, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, July 7-10, 1999.
  • “Team-Oriented, Project-Based Collaborative Learning”, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, July 19-23, 1999.
  • “Shaft Alignment” technical training seminar. National Technology Transfer, Nashville TN, February 1999.