This time last year the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) welcomed Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., as its new dean. Now, on the eve of her one year anniversary, Bloebaum has effectively reshaped the team that will position the college as a global leader in the aeronautics and engineering industries. Below is a listing of the CAE team.
- Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., Dean, College of Aeronautics and Engineering; Research includes challenges in the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) field – developing new optimization, visualization and tradespace methodologies for inherently complex systems. Bloebaum has most recently been engaged in research on new value-based systems engineering frameworks built upon the rigorous foundations of Decision Analysis, MDO and Value Driven Design.
- Xuhui Chen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Research interests include security and privacy in big data analysis, system design with applications in the Internet of Things, smart health, cyber-physical systems and wireless networks.
- Joycelyn Harrison, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Research, CAE; A senior scientist with more than 20 years of experience leading, managing and growing research programs. Harrison has committed her career to scientific discovery and holds 23 patents. She is a mentor and STEM champion who has won numerous awards for excellence in science and engineering.
- Robert Krauss, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Flight and Operations, CAE; More than 25 years of experience in U.S. and international research conduct and administration, aeronautical and mechanical engineering education, developmental and operational flight testing of mobility and training aircraft, program and risk management, strategic planning, analytics and business development.
- Rui Liu, Ph. D., Assistant Professor; Research focuses on cognitive understanding for self-reflective robotic systems in dynamic environments.
- Ye Lu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Research focuses on spacecraft and mission design using aero-assist maneuvers to enable next-generation missions to Venus, Mars, Titan and outer planets. Lu’s research interests include designs of small satellites for low-cost planetary missions and technology demonstrations.
- Maureen McFarland, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, CAE; Research in assessment of effective teaching practices with instructional technology and engineering education pedagogy. McFarland previously served as the aeronautics director for CAE.
- Hossein Mirinejad, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Research focus is on human-robot interactions, UAS, optimal control theory and closed-loop medical devices.
- Jackie Ruller, Assistant Dean, External Affairs, CAE; Focuses on external relationship building and networking. Previously Ruller worked as an engineer and worked on patents. She leads the internship, co-op program and career services for CAE students.
- Tao Shen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Research is in robotic projects, such as parallel and serial robots, robots on unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic vision, and surgical and walking assistant robots. Now Shen’s primary research interests focus on medical robots.
- W. Tom Southards, Director, Finance and Operations and Director, Small Business Development Center; Southards served for many years in the engineering industry and has worked at Kent State for more than 20 years.