ME TO IE and Back: Reflections on 30 years of working with interesting people & great students
Friday, August 28, 2015, 3:00 pm
Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Seminar Series
Sidney & Marian Green Classroom (3550 MEK – Mechanical Engineering Kennecott Bldg.)
Reception to follow at 4:00 pm
Donald Bloswick, Ph.D., P.E., CPE
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Director, Ergonomics and Health Safety
University of Utah
Abstract: What a Ride! My first day at the U started with a front-page article in the Utah Daily Chronicle announcing the discontinuation of the Industrial Engineering Program from our Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department. What seemed like a disaster at the time, however, paved the way for almost 30 years of fascinating and rewarding projects. After a quick review of the evolution of the Ergonomics/Safety and Occupational Biomechanics Program through innovative course work and non-traditional engineering projects, I will review some of the research and design/ development projects made possible by over 25 senior design groups, 150 grad students and $10M in NIOSH funding. I will also focus on one of the most interesting offshoots of the original program–rehabilitation and recreational devices/systems for persons with disabilities.
Bio: Professor Bloswick received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1969, M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1971, M.A. in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 1978, and Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1986.
He is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah where he teaches and directs research in the areas of ergonomics, safety, occupational biomechanics, and rehabilitation engineering. He is Director of The Ergonomics and Safety Program at The Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health and holds adjunct appointments in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Department of Bioengineering, Division of Physical Therapy, and Division of Occupational Therapy. He is a registered Professional Engineer and Certified Professional Ergonomist with 10 years of full-time industrial experience. For the past 35 years he has served as an ergonomic and safety trainer and consultant to industry, OSHA, and the legal community throughout the United States.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah is committed to providing students with broad-based, rigorous and progressive education. By combining state-of-the-art facilities with renowned faculty, the department provides an education that gives students the necessary skills to become the next generation of innovators.