I conduct research in a D-f-X area called Design for Human Variability. DfHV combines rigorous design tools such as optimization, robust design, and statistical modeling with human-centered fields such as ergonomics, human factors, and biomechanics. The primary objective of my work is to enable the design of artifacts, tasks, and environments that are robust to variability in users. My current efforts focus on quantifying variability, synthesizing anthropometry, allocating adjustability, and design decision-making. Areas of application include seating, transportation (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, trains), consumer products, manufacturing and maintenance environments, and the development of medical devices. Read more in the Research section of this site or at the website for the OPEN Design Lab.

The OPEN Design Lab at Penn State University is where my students and I conduct research in the application of rigorous design methodologies to the design of artifacts and environments for people. Find out more about the Lab's publications, events, or members. Also, check out the new tools for designing for human variability.

I am the Director of the Center for Research in Design and Innovation at Penn State University. The CRDI, initiated in 2009, is a collaboration across many disciplines at the university, including Architecture, Business, Engineering, Information Sciences, and Psychology. In addition to developing multi-disciplinary research activities, we coordinate many design activities on campus and beyond. These have included workshops on design and design education for the National Science Foundation, seminar series featuring notable speakers, and annual events like the Iron Lion Design Challenge. CRDI members developed a new course, "X-Disciplinary Design" that was co-taught by Dave Celento (faculty in Arts and Architecture) and myself.

I am an Associate Professor at Penn State University and hold appointments in Engineering Design (primary), Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. In addition to conducting research, I direct the Engineering Design Program and the Center for Research in Design and Innovation (CRDI) and teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

The undergraduate courses include EDSGN 100H (Introduction to Engineering Design, honors), which presents engineering design in a global context. Many of the students travel to the National University of Singapore for a global new product development course over the summer. I also teach ME 340 (Mechanical Engineering Design Methodology), our junior-level design class, and ME 440 (Mechanical Systems Design), our senior-level capstone course.

My graduate-level Design for Human Variability course is cross-listed in EDSGN, ME, and IE and is taught ever Fall semester.