2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

1. Chad M. Laux http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7445-2446 Purdue University, West Lafayette [biography]

   Dr. Chad Laux is an Assistant Professor in the Industrial Technology Department at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He teaches courses in Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma quality, Production planning among others. His research interests include quality management, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and agriculture biotechnology systems. He is a Six Sigma BlackBelt from General Electric Co, Caterpillar Inc, and the American Society for Quality. He is also a Certified Senior Technology Manager from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. Dr. Laux received the Silvius-Wolansky Award for Outstanding Dissertation at Iowa State University, induction into Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture and Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society in Technology. Dr. Laux won the 2008 NAIT Conference Best Proceedings Paper. He is a member of the ASEE, ASQ, and ATMAE is also an active leader in the international arena by serving as a delegate for the United States for the creation for food quality management standards.

2. Abram Walton, Ph.D. Purdue University [biography]

   Abram Walton, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology at Purdue University. Dr. Walton’s research efforts focus on impacting technology-sensitive industries by creating sustainable, lean business models through the development of emerging continuous improvement methodologies. Specifically, Dr. Walton’s unique systems-thinking approach to Leadership strategies for Lean, Healthcare, and Product Lifecycle Management has cultivated multi-disciplinary collaborations, generating research and scholarship on innovative organizational strategies and best practices for engineering and innovation initiatives.

3. Amy S. Van Epps http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5986-5952 Purdue University, West Lafayette [biography]

   Amy S. Van Epps is the Engineering Librarian, Coordinator of Instruction at the Seigesmund Library, Purdue University, West Lafayette. She is a graduate of Lafayette College (B.A., 1991), The Catholic University of America (M.S.L.S.,1994) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.Eng, 2001). She is an active member of the Engineering Libraries Division of ASEE.

4. Mrs. Kimberly Marie Deranek Nova Southeastern University [biography]

   Kim Deranek is an Assistant Professor in the Decision Sciences Department in The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is a results oriented educator with over 20 years’ experience in the private sector. Her teaching focuses on the importance of quality and continuous improvement in the areas of lean manufacturing, service operations management, and supply chain management. Research interests include the investigation of innovative techniques to improve quality, optimize performance and increase efficiencies within both manufacturing and service supply chains. She obtained her PhD in Technology from Purdue University.

5. Darrel L. Sandall Purdue University [biography]

   Darrel L. Sandall is an Assistant Professor for Organizational Leadership & Supervision at Purdue University. His discovery, learning, and engagement expertise and interests focus on how technology impacts innovation in the workplace. Specifically, Dr. Sandall researches how technology innovations can be applied to process improvement and Human Resource Development efforts to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance.

   Before joining Purdue, Darrel was the Chief Skills Officer for SkillsNET Corporation, one of the top 500 fastest growing companies as recognized by Inc Magazine in 2006. As CSO, Darrel managed the research, development and implementation of the science surrounding SkillObject® development efforts and was involved with developing and implementing technology-based solutions for clients, including numerous multi-million dollar FFP, CPFF and T&M contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense. Darrel also directed the development and management of SkillsNET’s intellectual property portfolio, including co-inventing systems and methods covered by 13 patent applications.

   In his career, he has worked over 10 years in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and managed numerous national and global efforts that focused on optimizing the workforce for the client organizations in the commercial sector, government sector, and non-profit sector. He has worked with clients such as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Naval Reserves, U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Aviation Administration, the General Services Administration, the Canadian Combined Forces, the European Union, Cisco Systems, M-i SWACO, IEEE, Alliant Techsystems (ATK), CitiFinancial Mortgage North America, Plateau Systems, CSRG, First Hawaiian Bank, the National Shipbuilding Research Program, the American Job Link Alliance, and numerous state governments.

   In addition to his client focused efforts, Darrel has authored numerous peer refereed publications, scientific and technical reports, and white papers. Darrel holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Human Resource Development, a M.S. from the University of Illinois in Human Resource Development, and B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and Education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

6. Rick L. Homkes Purdue University
7. Sarah E. Leach Purdue University, Statewide Technology [biography]

   Sarah Leach is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology. She is a registered professional engineer with over 15 years of industry experience as a product and development engineer. She teaches courses in materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanics for the Purdue Statewide Technology program in South Bend, IN.

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