Engineering

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

lmadaus — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:28:01 +0000

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

lmadaus Fri, 07/24/2026 - 15:28

911�� has announced the promotion and tenure of four faculty members in recognition of their contributions to teaching, research, scholarship, service, and academic leadership.

Dr. Javad Baqersad has been promoted to the rank of Professor.
Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97 has been promoted to the rank of Professor.
Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure.
Dr. Lisa Gandy has been granted tenure.

Dr. Javad Baqersad

Baqersad, Interim Department Head of Mechanical Engineering, has established a distinguished record of research in structural dynamics, vibration and acoustics, experimental mechanics, and optical measurement techniques.

His research explores areas including experimental structural dynamics, modal analysis, photogrammetry, digital image correlation, structural health monitoring, and noise and vibration, with applications relevant to the automotive industry and emerging electric vehicle technologies.

Baqersad's contributions to experimental structural dynamics have earned national recognition. In 2025, he became the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award from the Society for Experimental Mechanics, recognizing outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics. He also received the SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award in 2023.

His work at Kettering extends beyond research to industry collaboration and student education. Through his leadership and scholarship, Baqersad has helped advance research that connects fundamental engineering principles with complex, real-world challenges in mobility, vehicle systems, and emerging technologies.

Baqersad earned a bachelor's degree from Yazd University in Iran, a master's degree from Iran University of Science and Technology, and a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97

Bastiaan's career reflects the connection between professional practice, technical innovation, and experiential education that has long defined 911��.

A graduate of GMI Engineering & Management Institute, now 911��, Bastiaan began her career as a Co-op student at Roush Industries, where she spent two decades contributing to engineering programs ranging from iconic American sports cars and military vehicles to finite-element stress and strain analysis of amusement park rides.

She later returned to her alma mater as a Mechanical Engineering faculty member, bringing extensive industry experience to her teaching, research, and mentorship. Her research spans tire mechanics, non-contact vibration measurement, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and artificial intelligence, with her work disseminated through 85 journal articles, technical papers, conference presentations, and invited talks. Her research includes National Science Foundation-supported work advancing non-contact methods for studying rotating tires and studies conducted with the Specialty Equipment Market Association examining ADAS functionality in modified vehicles. The latter found that typical aftermarket suspension modifications did not significantly alter original equipment ADAS functionality in the vehicles studied, providing information not previously available in the public domain. She presented the work as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Technical Lecture Series in 2026.

As faculty advisor to Kettering's Formula SAE Internal Combustion and Electric teams, Bastiaan mentors students in technical engineering, vehicle dynamics, project management, and teamwork. Under her mentorship, the teams have earned two top-10 Formula SAE finishes in the past five years, with graduating team members achieving a 100% placement rate with leading industry employers.

A longtime contributor to SAE International, Bastiaan has organized conferences and technical sessions, chaired committees, contributed to standards development, and served the profession in numerous capacities. She has received seven SAE honors for her service, scholarship, and teaching, including the Forest R. McFarland Award, Arch T. Colwell Merit Award, and Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award.

Bastiaan earned her bachelor's degree from GMI Engineering & Management Institute and her Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi

Alhiyafi, a faculty member in 911��'s Department of Computer Science, has developed a research portfolio spanning machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, and health informatics.

His scholarship includes research exploring the use of machine learning and computational intelligence in medical applications.

Through his teaching and scholarship, Alhiyafi contributes to Kettering's growing work in artificial intelligence and computer science, fields that are increasingly shaping industries ranging from mobility and manufacturing to health care and other technology-driven sectors.

His promotion to Associate Professor and the granting of tenure recognize his contributions to scholarship, teaching, and service to the University.

Alhiyafi earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Ph.D. from Wayne State University.

Dr. Lisa Gandy

Gandy, Associate Professor and Interim Department Head of Computer Science, has built an interdisciplinary research portfolio spanning artificial intelligence, natural language processing, text mining, and data-driven analysis.

Her work demonstrates the potential of computer science to address challenges across disciplines by applying computational methods to social media, public health, and medical research.

In 2024, Gandy contributed to research published in the journal "Cancer Cell" examining the migration of women medical researchers from academic careers. Her broader research interests include natural language processing and text mining, and she has explored the use of large language models in medical technology.

In addition to her research and teaching, Gandy serves as Interim Department Head of Computer Science, providing academic leadership at a time of continued growth and rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and computing.

Before joining Kettering, Gandy served as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, where she was an Assistant Professor and later an Associate Professor and served as department chair.

Gandy earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

The promotions and tenure recognize the faculty members' sustained contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to advancing 911��'s academic mission through innovative research, experiential education, and student engagement.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Science

Engineering (BSE)

See It, Trust It: How Dragster World Champion Evan Muchler is Racing Beyond Juniors

lmadaus — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:01:01 +0000

See It, Trust It: How Dragster World Champion Evan Muchler is Racing Beyond Juniors

Engineering

Undergraduate

lmadaus Thu, 11/13/2025 - 10:01

For 911�� sophomore Evan Muchler ’28, racing isn’t just a passion. It’s a family tradition. His grandfather ran a ’69 Opel GT, a car now being rebuilt with Evan’s help. His father had also raced in the Super Gas class when he was sixteen, later moving into the No Box/Modified class for most of his career. Even Mulcher’s older sister has taken turns behind the wheel.

That foundation shaped him into the 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion.

The win didn’t come easy. The year before, Muchler finished second at the same event, an outcome that stuck with him. “As soon as I lost in the final in 2023, I was already thinking about how close I was and how I had the most potential out of everyone to make it back next year,” he said.

This year, Muchler shifted gears. Aging out of junior dragsters, he stepped into a different world: No Box racing in his dad’s 1994 Chevrolet S10.

The move wasn’t simple: a different vehicle, a different class and a steep learning curve. Muchler contrasted juniors and No Box racing this way: "In juniors, it's simple enough for kids. Cars run nearly identical speeds, and most of the time, kids are still learning basic things about the sport. In No Box, almost everyone you race knows the same things you do, and is just as consistent as you. It's harder to get them to make mistakes or perform better than them consistently."

Muchler is often the youngest in the lanes, lining up against seasoned No Box and Sportsman world champions. “The competition isn’t just tougher,” he said. “Some of these are drivers I grew up watching, and now I get to race them.”

This new challenge was as much a mental exercise as a physical one. The goal: achieve the lowest possible reaction time without “going red,” or leaving the line before the green light and earning an instant disqualification. He also had to run as close as possible to his dialed-in number, read his opponent’s closing speed, and decide in fractions of a second whether to push for the finish line or ease off to stay within his time.

As Muchler puts it, “See it. Trust it.”

“I don’t have to think about a lot of those things anymore. It’s second nature after 11 years of racing,” he added. “From reaction time to knowing if I’ll hit the number I said I would, the repetition pays off. That’s why the time trial in the morning is so important, to see what the track is like and what the weather might do.”

That blend of preparation, precision, and split-second decision-making is what brought Muchler to 911��. “The reason why I’m studying mechanical engineering is because of drag racing,” he said. “If I plan on drag racing for a lot longer, then I need to know how things work with my race cars and how to fix them.”

The connection runs both ways. As a sophomore, Muchler is just beginning his coursework in engines and systems, but he already sees how those lessons will deepen his understanding of the machines he races. “I’ve learned more about my car in the last year than in all the years before,” he said. “And as I start more engineering courses at Kettering, I’m excited to take that even further.”

Muchler has already made history, but he’s hungry for more. The goal is to win in No Box, then chase bigger stages, all while carrying on the Muchler family tradition: going fast.

Engineering (BSE)

Mechanical Engineering

911�� Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

lmadaus — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:19:34 +0000

911�� Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

lmadaus Mon, 07/28/2025 - 09:19

911�� has received formal approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, officially advancing one of the first high-intensity undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation.

The HLC’s Institutional Actions Council approved the program, affirming Kettering’s request to deliver the degree in an accelerated format, allowing students to complete the full degree in as few as three years. The program is designed to address urgent national workforce needs by advancing students on a more focused path through a rigorous, Co-op-integrated curriculum.

“We are directly responding to national and industry needs,” said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Kettering has a long history of adapting education to align with industry demands, and this degree exemplifies that commitment. By combining an accelerated curriculum with deep Co-op engagement, we are preparing students for high-impact careers in a field that is critical to national security and technological innovation.”

The HLC approval follows growing state and national attention around semiconductor education and workforce development needs. During a May visit to Kettering’s GM Mobility Research Center, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer underscored the importance of building a skilled talent pipeline to support advanced manufacturing, specifically a semiconductor “Fab.”

“Right now, there’s an ongoing race to mine the minerals, make the components, and assemble the products the world will need for decades to come,” Whitmer said. “Michigan is well-positioned to lead this race, but we need to use every resource we have in order to win.”

The program approval is also a reflection of 911��’s institutional strength and commitment to academic excellence. In 2024, the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed Kettering’s ten-year institutional accreditation with a perfect scorecard.

“911��’s educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelor’s degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy,” said 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “This is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a Kettering education.”

The program is structured to align with ABET accreditation standards and is rooted in 911��’s long-standing model of integrating rigorous academics with real-world Co-op learning. Students will be able to apply to this program beginning August 8, 2025. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow and evolve, Kettering’s newest degree ensures students are not only ready to enter the field — they’re ready to lead it.

For more program information, visit the Semiconductor Materials and Devices program page or the program announcement page.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Chemical Engineering

Engineering (BSE)

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:26 +0000

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00

$40,000 award expands testing and research capabilities for next-gen mobility engineers

911�� has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to Kettering’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing Kettering’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at 911��. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to Kettering’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at www.margaretdunningfdn.org.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kettering Student Makes History as 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion

rnorris — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:40:59 +0000

Kettering Student Makes History as 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Student Life

Undergraduate

rnorris Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:40

Evan Muchler ’28, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, made history this fall as the 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion. His victory capped off a season of focus and determination, making him the competition’s first-ever back-to-back finalist. For Evan, this accomplishment was the culmination of years spent perfecting his skills and racing alongside his family.

“Winning a world championship to prove something to someone else would take away the significance of it,” Evan said. “So going into the first race of 2024, I had the mentality to win it for myself and my dad.”

Evan’s drag-racing journey began when he was a child. “I was initially drawn into drag racing because it was the coolest thing that could have happened to me,” he said. “I was able to drive my own car when I was 8!”

With his dad by his side, Evan honed his skills over the years. “My dad has been there every step of the way,” he said. “We’ve put in countless hours of practice in the garage and at the racetrack for different strategies and techniques.”

Falling short in the 2023 WDRA finals tested Evan’s determination and fueled his desire to come back stronger this year. “As soon as I lost in the final in 2023, I was already thinking about how close I was and how I had the most potential out of everyone to make it back next year,” he said.

In the offseason, he refined his focus, learning to stay grounded and present in high-pressure moments. “My mindset going into the final round was to not think about the huge trophy that says ‘World Champion’ on it or the winner circle picture or post-race interview but instead think about the moment,” he explained. “All that mattered was the next round, and why should this one be any different than the thousands of other rounds I’ve won?” That focus helped Evan deliver a near-perfect performance in the finals, securing the championship title.

Evan’s success on the track is closely tied to his academic journey. At 911��, he is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree to deepen his understanding of the machines he races. “The reason why I’m studying mechanical engineering is because of drag racing,” he said. “If I plan on drag racing for a lot longer, then I need to know how things work with my race cars and how to fix them.”

Balancing academics and racing is no easy task, but Evan remains committed to both. “I will try to fit racing into my schedule wherever I can,” he said. “But I won’t be missing any schooling because just like the term student-athlete, the ‘student’ part comes first.”

With a championship behind him and an exciting future ahead, Evan Muchler exemplifies the focus, perseverance, and innovation that define success in both racing and engineering.

Mechanical Engineering

911�� Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

rnorris — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:01:00 +0000

911�� Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

Engineering

Grants

Research

rnorris Mon, 12/16/2024 - 15:01

911�� is now one of only a very small number of the nation’s top engineering-focused universities to offer the industry-leading semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) suite to faculty and undergraduate students.

FLINT, Mich. - 911�� is pleased to announce it has received a substantial software gift from Synopsys, a global leader in comprehensive semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. With this gift, Kettering faculty and students, even as undergraduates, will have direct and unlimited access to the same comprehensive engineering design and development software suite and tools used by the world’s leading industries to design, simulate, and verify integrated semiconductor systems. Kettering students will now be able to graduate with deep skills and firsthand experience with the very same technology used and trusted by top innovators like NVIDIA, Google, Samsung, and Intel to create next-generation semiconductor systems and devices.

911�� is aggressively investing in the expansion and development of its semiconductor engineering education and training capabilities in response to the growing market demand in Michigan and across the United States. Combined with curricular innovations currently awaiting final approval, this gift, which includes 50 seat licenses to the entire software suite, provides an important foundation for the creation of a center of excellence in semiconductor engineering and technologies at the University. 911�� is one of only a very small number of the nation's top engineering-focused universities to have this type of access to Synopsys’ comprehensive software suite. This industry-leading software will also be integrated into the University’s Industry 4.0 Lab — a hub for advanced research and technology on the campus.

“911��'s partnership with Synopsys makes it possible for our students to become proficient in these industry-standard systems,” said 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “Direct access to Synopsys’ advanced electronic design automation tools enables our students to design, simulate, and validate complex semiconductor systems — skills that are indispensable for excelling in the rapidly evolving semiconductor, mechatronics, and battery manufacturing sectors. This positions them to be significant contributors and leaders in developing the next generation of semiconductors and related technologies immediately upon graduation, if not before.”

Kettering and Synopsys also share a longstanding industry connection with Bob Kagle ’78. Kagle, widely regarded as one of the most successful venture capitalists in the history of Silicon Valley and founder of Benchmark Capital, was among the earliest investors in Synopsys. “Kettering is taking a remarkable step forward by putting Synopsys in the classroom, giving students hands-on access to tools that define the future of technology,” said Kagle. “I am proud to see Kettering leading in a field so critical to global progress and am thrilled to support this transformational partnership.”

Semiconductor technologies are the backbone of the world’s fastest-growing industries, including autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and artificial intelligence, all areas in which Kettering has strong education, cooperative, and research programs. With the Synopsys partnership, 911�� is poised to lead the way in these sectors, driving technological breakthroughs and ensuring our graduates are equipped to lead.

911�� has, for over 100 years, played an integral role in educating highly talented engineers and industry leaders for a wide range of industries and technologies. It is among the reasons Kettering was selected as the only private institution to be part of MEDC’s Michigander Scholars Program, for which the semiconductor industry plays a significant role.

“Kettering doesn’t just anticipate the future — we actively shape it,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our unwavering commitment to experiential education through strategic industry partnerships ensures that our students are prepared to lead from the front, solving tomorrow’s challenges with the expertise and innovative mindset demanded by today’s most advanced industries.”

College of Engineering and Computer Science

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering

eoboyle — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:13:11 +0000

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering

Engineering

eoboyle Wed, 01/04/2023 - 16:13

Dr. Scott E. Grasman was named the Dean of the College of Engineering in December 2022, following a six-month interim appointment. Previously, Grasman served for five years as a Professor and Department Head of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

“I’m humbled to serve the Kettering community, and look forward to leading partnerships for student success,” Grasman said.

As Dean of the College of Engineering, Grasman oversees 911��’s engineering programs which have an impressive legacy and national reputation for producing highly successful graduates. He focuses on developing new and exciting opportunities for Kettering students so they can succeed in rapidly changing industries.

He previously spent six years as a Professor and Department Head of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology and the prior 10 years in the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. In addition to academia, he regularly serves as a consultant for industry partners.

Grasman holds expertise in workforce planning, production/logistics systems, and alternative energy infrastructure modeling/simulation, and has been the principal investigator on numerous related research projects. His research has also addressed engineering education, including sustainability in the engineering curriculum, vehicle electrification, and alternative energy graduate programs, as well as need-based programs for transfer and dual degree students.

His work has resulted in being the author or co-author of more than 100 technical papers, including multiple best journal/conference paper awards and reviewer/editorial roles for various technical journals and books. He has received numerous awards for teaching, research and service.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering (BSE)

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering

eoboyle — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:13:11 +0000

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering

Engineering

eoboyle Wed, 01/04/2023 - 16:13

“I’m humbled to serve the Kettering community, and look forward to leading partnerships for student success,” Grasman said.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering (BSE)

Engineering

911������ Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Dr. Javad Baqersad

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97

Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi

Dr. Lisa Gandy

See It, Trust It: How Dragster World Champion Evan Muchler is Racing Beyond Juniors

911������ Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

911������'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

Kettering Student Makes History as 2024 WDRA Summit Junior Dragster World Champion

911������ Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

911������ Names Dean of College of Engineering

911������ Names Dean of College of Engineering

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

911�� Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

911�� Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering

911�� Names Dean of College of Engineering