Title: Instructor, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Years at GCU: I'm in my 5th year.
Academic degrees:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology from Arizona State University
- M.T. in Electrical Engineering Technology from Arizona State University
What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
My father and I started a medical device company and made stroke rehabilitation robots for 15 years. In 2005, R&D Magazine selected our device as one of the 100 most innovative products in the world that year. For engineers, this recognition is geeky cool!
What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
When we were running our medical device company, seeing the impact that our products had on stroke survivors was very satisfying. When a stroke leaves someone paralyzed on one side of their body, they lose their independence and their quality of life suffers greatly. When I talked to patients who had used our devices, each one had a story of how their life had been changed by their stroke. The devices that we had designed were part of their recovery story, and that really felt good.
What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?
I like to relate our classroom material to practical applications. For example, instead of just learning about serial and parallel power supplies, we talk about my truck. I am converting an old Chevy S-10 to be an electric vehicle. By taking the students through the same thought process that I went through, they have a better understanding of the design considerations that go into a project like this.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
As a departure from any engineering work, I like to do traditional woodworking and leatherworking projects in my spare time. I am also very active with my Rotary Club and the Sons of the American Revolution.
What is something interesting about you that most people don't know?
In college, I spent my summers working as a divemaster. I have been scuba diving all over the world. I have had the opportunity to dive with stingrays, sharks and barracuda.
