Hosted at ������Ƶ’s GM Mobility Research Center (MRC), the MichAuto Mobility Meetup on March 20 brought together Michigan’s mobility leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators for an evening focused on building connections among innovators across the state. Co-hosted by MichAauto — an initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber — and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the event connected automotive and manufacturing leaders, start-ups, service firms, and students around a shared goal: accelerating what’s next in mobility. Guests also toured the MRC, a 21-acre proving ground for testing autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion systems, and sensor technologies. 

At the Intersection of Industry and Education

Jennifer Umberger, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, welcomed attendees and emphasized the University’s legacy as a talent engine for the automotive and mobility industries. “Whether you’ve known us as GMI or as ������Ƶ, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

Kettering’s 50-50 model — equal parts rigorous academics and paid full-time Co-op — equips every student with up to two and a half years of real-world experience by the time they graduate. “That’s why our graduates are hired not just to contribute — but to lead,” Umberger added.

MichAuto: Driving Michigan’s Mobility Leadership

MichAuto is focused on strengthening Michigan’s role as a global mobility leader by advancing public-private partnerships, business innovation, and talent development. Its Mobility Meetup series creates opportunities for industry leaders, educators, startups, and students to collaborate in meaningful ways that grow careers and companies alike.

Investing in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline

Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, spotlighted Kettering’s leadership in the Michigander Scholars Program, which provides $5,000 to students who complete a Co-op with a Michigan employer or $10,000 to students who spend 12 months or more working full-time in the state after graduation.

“Kettering has named more Michigander Scholars than any other participating university,” Petrusch said. “That’s a reflection of our Co-op depth, employer partnerships, and our students’ readiness to drive real results — right here in Michigan.”

Built for What’s Next

The Mobility Meetup at ������Ƶ wasn’t just a networking event but a proving ground for collaboration. For students, it reinforced how education and industry can work hand in hand. For employers, it showcased the next generation of problem solvers ready to lead Michigan’s mobility evolution. And for the state, it highlighted the power of shared investment in talent, innovation, and impact.

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, ������Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan challenges the status quo and offers a workforce-driven vision for higher education. With a background in science policy, venture capital, and university leadership, Dr. McMahan explains why most institutions are falling behind — and how Kettering’s 50/50 Co-op model keeps students ahead.

From earning $75,000 or more before graduation to developing skills in AI, sustainability, and mobility, Dr. McMahan shares how Kettering builds graduates who are ready to lead, starting now.

������Ƶ president, Dr. Robert K. McMahan, has appointed Enza Sleva as the University’s new Chief Student Experience Officer (CXO), placing the University at the forefront of a growing movement to reimagine student success and support in higher education. The newly created Cabinet-level role underscores Kettering’s commitment to innovation — not only through its rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op model but also in how the University prepares and empowers its students.

Sleva, who has led Kettering’s Co-op and Career Design team since 2022, brings more than 30 years of expertise in customer experience, operational excellence, and culture-building from her career at Ford Motor Company. While with Ford, she played a critical role in shaping customer-centric strategies that enhanced engagement, efficiency, and satisfaction — expertise she now applies to revolutionizing the student experience at Kettering.

“Enza’s work in reshaping our Co-op and Career Design team has been exceptional,” said ������Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “She has demonstrated what is possible when we take a comprehensive approach to the student experience. She is a leader who empowers those around her, and I have no doubt that her leadership of our new Student Experience Team will elevate our institution in profound ways.”

As one of the few CXOs in higher education, Sleva will lead a Student Experience Team focused on providing a seamless, integrated, and modern student experience. The team will unify student-facing services under a single, student—first strategy, including the Academic Success and Wellness Centers, Co-op and Career Design, Student Life, Residential Life, and Athletic and Recreation Services.

“Kettering students expect more from their education, and we are here to match that ambition,” Sleva said. “Just as great companies stress positive customer experience, we must rethink student support — not as coming from isolated departments, but as an integrated journey that anticipates needs, removes barriers, and empowers students to succeed from day one.”

The Student Experience Team brings together key areas dedicated to student success, creating a more connected and collaborative approach to fulfilling ������Ƶ’s mission of preparing students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service by linking experiential learning opportunities to rigorous academic programs. By unifying academic support, career preparation, professional development, and campus life under one umbrella, the team ensures every student has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to excel. Working closely with University leaders — including the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Registrar, the Director of Public Safety, and the Director of Dining Services — the team drives a fully integrated student experience.

“As CXO, Enza will be looking across, within, and outside our University to better understand the Kettering experience from our students’ perspectives,” Dr. McMahan said. “She and her team will also make recommendations across the University on ways we must change to ensure our students are best positioned to succeed and to do so with greater satisfaction, greater learning, and the most positive, memorable university experience possible.”

Javad Baqersad, Ph.D., a ������Ƶ associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been named the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award, a top honor presented by the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics.

SEM is a global professional society that leads the development and application of experimental techniques to measure how materials, components, and structures perform under real-world conditions — an approach Kettering faculty and students bring to industries every day.

Established in 2025, the D.L. Brown Award recognizes groundbreaking research that advances experimental methods in structural dynamics — especially in the field of vibration analysis. Dr. Baqersad’s innovative work in expanding the use of optical methods to measure vibration and dynamic deformation has direct applications in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to biomedical devices and advanced sports equipment.

“I'm deeply honored to receive the D.L. Brown Award,” Baqersad said. “This award reflects years of research, collaboration, and dedication — not only my own, but also that of my colleagues, industry partners, and especially the Kettering students who have been integral to these projects.”

Named for Professor Donald L. Brown, a pioneer in experimental mechanics and vibration measurement, the award honors individuals whose work has set new standards in the field. Dr. Baqersad’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of ������Ƶ’s leadership in applied engineering research.

“To receive an award named for Professor Brown — whose research I have long admired and relied on — is incredibly meaningful,” said Baqersad, the award’s first-ever recipient. “He set the standard for experimental mechanics, and to be recognized in his name is humbling.”

Real-World Impact — Powered by Kettering Students

Dr. Baqersad’s research, much of it conducted in partnership with Kettering’s graduate and undergraduate students, focuses on laser-based and digital image correlation techniques to precisely measure how structures vibrate and deform — essential insights that make products safer, more durable, and more efficient.

Kettering students take on real roles in this research, applying advanced techniques to solve problems in industries in which performance and safety are non-negotiable. Together, they’ve tackled projects that measure:

• Vibrations in automotive components, including electric vehicle (EV) systems.
• Aerospace structures exposed to extreme stress and environmental conditions.
• Vibrations in human skin, with potential applications in biomedical engineering.
• The dynamic performance of sports equipment, informing how products feel, perform, and sound.

"At Kettering, we don’t just research in a lab — we solve real problems for real industries," Baqersad said. "These projects are driven by students, from building drones for vibration measurements on bridges to working with companies like Meritor to analyze heavy vehicle axles. Our students graduate ready to lead because they’ve already done the work that matters."

The D.L. Brown Award is one of only three major honors presented annually at SEM’s International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC), the premier global forum for experimental mechanics and structural dynamics.

������Ƶ’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using Kettering’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The ������Ƶ Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see Kettering’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at ������Ƶ. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening Kettering’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The ������Ƶ Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

Kettering’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of ������Ƶ, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through Kettering’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores Kettering’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about ������Ƶ’s Archives and research opportunities, visit .

������Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan recently sat down with Jan Griffiths, host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, to discuss the future of leadership, the changing landscape of the auto industry, and how Kettering’s hands-on education model prepares students to lead from day one.

Key topics from the episode:

• Redefining automotive leadership — Why the industry must move beyond outdated command-and-control structures.
• The Kettering advantage — From innovating in the auto industry to leading high-impact projects, Kettering students don’t wait until after graduation to make an impact.
• Real-time industry feedback — How Kettering’s 12-week rotation with corporate partners keeps students and curriculum ahead of industry trends.
• Unlocking leadership potential — Dr. McMahan shares why true leadership isn’t about power — it’s about empowering others.

On December 12, ������Ƶ celebrated the outstanding achievements of its faculty and staff at the 2024 Celebration of Excellence. The event recognized individuals who exemplify the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

“Living our values isn’t evident in just one person or one department — it is in all of us,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ������Ƶ. “Today, we celebrate and honor the collective contributions of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly — and without fanfare.” 

Charles F. Kettering III Bulldog Award

Named in honor of Charles F. Kettering III, grandson of the University’s founder, the Bulldog Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients demonstrate tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to the University’s mission, embodying the determined spirit of Kettering’s bulldog mascot.

• Myra Lumpkin, Director of Student Life Student Affairs — Honored for her student-first approach and unwavering dedication to student well-being, fostering an environment where students feel supported and valued.
• Cheri Taylor, Welcome Center Associate Director — Celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and passion for ensuring the success of recruitment and campus events, along with her steadfast support of University initiatives.
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events Planner — Recognized for his exceptional creativity and collaborative spirit, consistently exceeding expectations in his execution of events and enhancing the overall campus experience.

Research Awards

These awards honor groundbreaking research and innovation that enhance Kettering’s reputation as a leader in engineering, science, and applied research.

• Faculty Fellowships: Awarded to faculty members conducting innovative projects across diverse fields, including advanced manufacturing, AI, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. Recipients include Drs. Yufi Li, Javad Baqersad, Osama Aljarrah, Changxi Bai, Demet Usanmaz, and a collaborative team led by Drs. Asanga Manamperi and Sihe Zhang.
• Outstanding New Researcher Award: Dr. Seyed Jamaleddin Mostafavi Yazdi was honored for his pioneering work in mechanics of materials and scientific machine learning.
• Outstanding Researcher Award: Dr. Diane Peters was recognized for her sustained excellence in modeling and controls, reflecting years of dedicated inquiry and application.
• Outstanding Applied Researcher Award: Dr. Jungme Park was celebrated for impactful work in AI, autonomous driving, and intelligent systems, with results that directly benefit industry and society.
• Distinguished Researcher Award: Dr. Theresa Atkinson was commended for over a decade of contributions to biomedical engineering and injury prevention, advancing healthcare and safety.
• Rodes Professorship: Awarded to Dr. Michael Callahan for his profound research on chemical weapons and international policy, reflecting scholarly achievement and leadership.

True Kettering Staff Awards

The True Kettering Staff Awards honor individuals who live the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence. These employees consistently exceed expectations and inspire others.

• Michele Williams, Admissions Communication Plan Specialist — Recognized for her collaborative efforts and dedication to driving innovative projects, often overcoming challenges to achieve exceptional results.
• Heidi Arvin, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Technician — Celebrated for her inclusive leadership, commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, and significant contributions to cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• Drew Kirtek, Natural Sciences Laboratory Manager — Honored for his reliability, creativity, and ability to inspire through research collaborations, educational outreach, and tireless support for University programs.

������Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year

The ������Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year Award celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in virtual learning environments, going beyond to inspire and guide their students.

• Dr. Joy Gianakura-Allen was recognized for her impactful teaching and leadership, fostering personal connections with students, and offering valuable insights that shape future leaders.

Teaching Awards

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) acknowledges faculty members who excel in pedagogy, student engagement, and educational innovation:

• CETL Distinguished Faculty Service Award: Dr. Diane Peters, for her leadership in student success initiatives and active engagement with professional organizations.
• Outstanding Teaching Awards:
  • Mr. Alan Maestri — Commended for his enthusiasm, adaptability, and ability to inspire a love for mathematics among students.
  • Dr. Corneliu Rablau — Celebrated for his engaging teaching methods and innovative use of technology in physics education.
  • Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh — Honored for fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in computer engineering.
• Terrell Teaching Innovation Grant: Dr. Torsten Maier, for exploring the use of AI to create dynamic and personalized learning experiences.

High Five Awards

Newly added in 2024, the High Five Awards recognize employees who exemplify exceptional teamwork, positive energy, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative campus culture. This year’s recipients, chosen for their outstanding contributions to the University’s recognition program, are:

• Joe Bellor, Senior Shipping/Receiving Clerk
• Leighton Chappell, University Events & Ceremonies Coordinator
• Dotti Gouine, Digital Marketing Manager
• Chris Nelson, Computer Science Administrative Specialist
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events & Ceremonies Planner 

Staff Recognition Awards

������Ƶ recognized the dedication of employees who have reached significant career milestones. Starting with the longest-serving members, honorees included:

• 40 years: Dr. Joe Salacuse.
• 35 years: Scott Cohoon and Irene Putnam.
• 30 years: Patricia Brown, Brady Fair, Dr. Leszek Gawarecki, Michelle Gebhardt, Dr. Jeffrey Hargrove, Kelly Holmquist, Gerald Kozlowski, and Dr. Lihua Wang.
• 25 years: Dr. Ezekiel Gebissa, Dr. Craig Hoff, Susan Lafeldt, and Dr. Arnaldo Mazzei Jr.
• 20 years: Erin Bolton, Kevin Isom, and Dr. Nozar Tabrizi.
• 15 years: Bonnie Switzer and Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh.
• 10 years: Pam Batra, Douglas Bourassa, Dr. Farnaz Ghazi Nezami, Dr. Ronald Tackett, and Dr. James Zhang.
• 5 years: Lauren Arant, Anjali Barnick, Lindsey Baxter, Melanie Bazil, Professor Kristy Brinker Brouwer, Courtney Cooney, Sharrie Creasey Thorpe, Harold Dumanois, Dr. Babak Elahi, Dr. David Foster, Scott Gray, Professor John Grether, Dr. Janie Jacobs, Scott Laforest, Matthew Mead, Craig Niswonger, S.E. Pavlica, Shaeanne Riedel, Laurie Schaibly, Kimberly Shumaker, and Eric Szczepanski.

Additionally, the University welcomed 31 new employees who began their careers at Kettering in the past year.

In closing, Dr. McMahan reiterated the importance of the work being done at the University: “Your collective work, your belief in our Kettering educational process, and your commitment to our students, alumni, and our community truly make a difference.” 

Not everyone can say they’ve left a legacy that aligns directly with the institution’s future, but Dr. Kingsley Joel Berry ’79 ME has. For almost 50 years — first as a driven student, then as the youngest Mechanical Engineering professor and eventual department head — Dr. Berry set the standard for innovation, education, and community impact at ������Ƶ. His recent $200,000 endowment to launch the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab exemplifies Dr. Berry’s deep commitment to the generations who will follow.

From Student to Professor

Dr. Berry’s journey began in the 1970s when he enrolled at General Motors Institute (GMI), where his curiosity and tenacity quickly set him apart. As one of the first African American students at GMI, he knew this opportunity could define his life’s path. “Coming to GMI was the best decision I made,” he says. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Automotive Engineering, Dr. Berry pursued a master’s in Engineering Mechanics at Michigan State University and later a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University. By 1986, he was back at Kettering, stepping into a faculty career that would influence generations of future engineers.

A Trailblazing Educator

Dr. Berry became the youngest faculty member in Mechanical Engineering and embraced the challenges of being a trailblazer as the only person of color in the department. “I had never taught a full class before,” he admits, but he quickly developed his teaching methods and significantly impacted his students. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to the department head. In his nearly two decades in that role, he helped build new labs, restructured the curriculum, and secured over $5.7 million in funding to ensure Kettering students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Berry published more than 50 articles related to his research and stamped his name on four patents. Fuel cells and related work became central to his research. The Flint Journal dubbed Dr. Berry “Flint’s Fuel Cell Father” for his dedicated efforts to ensure that the Vehicle City would play a key role in shaping the future of automotive transportation. In 1993, he earned the Charles L. Tutt Award for Innovative Teaching, an honor named for former GMI Dean of Engineering Dr. Charles L. Tutt. A year later, Dr. Berry was named GMI Outstanding Professor of the Year. In 2021, he was honored with Kettering's prestigious Rodes Professorship award, which recognizes faculty for outstanding scholarly achievement, and a $5,000 grant to support continued research. Then, in 2024, Dr. Berry made the decision to retire from the classroom — but not before ensuring his legacy with a significant gift to the University.  

A Vision for the Future: The Kingsberry Sustainability Lab

In an impressive gesture, Dr. Berry and his wife Linette recently announced a generous $200,000 endowment to establish the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab at ������Ƶ. This gift is not just a one-time donation; it’s an investment in the future. He envisions a space where students can explore fuel cells, alternative energy, and technologies that will shape a sustainable world. Dr. Berry’s decision to fund this laboratory is rooted in a belief he must “pay it forward” to honor the opportunities he received. “I want this laboratory to allow future students to benefit from innovative technology,” he explains, pointing to the importance of fuel cell technology and alternative energy in addressing climate change.

With his endowment, Dr. Berry aims to inspire others to invest in the future of education, setting a challenge for fellow faculty members and alumni to contribute as well. “I want this to be an example for other faculty ... even if it’s just like $20,000, $10,000 ... to inspire,” he says, highlighting community support's critical role in sustaining educational excellence.

“This endowment will be here for centuries after I’m gone,” he states firmly, underscoring that his contributions are not solely about personal accolades but about enriching the lives of future generations.

Although Dr. Berry is no longer teaching at the University, he is educating a new audience: federal lawmakers. Dr. Berry’s latest role is in Washington, D.C., as an ASME Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, focusing on technology policy development, particularly in artificial intelligence and energy initiatives. Reflecting on this new chapter, he expresses excitement about the opportunity to influence policy at the national level. “It’s great ... this is the perfect transition for me ... the staff is so positive, so encouraging,” he says. His experience at Kettering has equipped him with the skills to address pressing issues like STEM education, Artificial Intelligence and energy, and workforce development — critical concerns as new facilities emerge as a result of significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

 A Lasting Legacy

As Dr. Berry steps into the next phase of his life, he does so with the intention of motivating others — faculty members, students, and the broader community — to engage, contribute, and make a difference. “Excellence is achieved by people, passion, and purpose, not policy,” Dr. Berry says, encapsulating his belief in the transformative power of education and community.

Dr. Berry's close-knit family shares his commitment to education and environmental sustainability. He and his wife Linette share four adult children, all of them involved in scientific fields. His daughters, Ashley ’08, M’13, and Sydney ’12, M’12, are ������Ƶ alumni, and his youngest daughter, Kimberly, holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. His son Jonathon is earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and expects to graduate in May 2025.  

Dr. Berry’s faith plays a central role in his journey, shaping his belief that everything he has achieved is part of a divine plan. “I fundamentally believe this has been God’s plan for me,” he says. “ ... It’s my way of paying it forward and backward, and it's my way of thanking God for all my blessings in my life.” 

Today, ������Ƶ announces that Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Diane Peters has earned the prestigious 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This honor celebrates her dedicated contributions to engineering education over the past two decades.

The Distinguished Engineering Educator Award recognizes individuals who excel in engineering education and have made significant contributions for at least 20 years. Dr. Peters, a seasoned educator and longtime member of SWE, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing engineering knowledge and fostering the next generation of engineers.

“This award is such an honor since it recognizes that my work has made an impact, particularly on students — especially women students — and their future careers as engineers and leaders,” Dr. Peters said. “I’d also like to extend my congratulations to the other winners of this award and all the other amazing people receiving various awards from the Society of Women Engineers.”

Dr. Peters is known as a central figure within the Mechanical Engineering department at ������Ƶ who is dedicated to students and advises several organizations. She is the faculty advisor to the ������Ƶ chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and co-advisor to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) chapter, including the AutoDrive Challenge team. Dr. Peters also serves as the advisor to ������Ƶ’s chapter of Tau Beta Pi, a national engineering honor society that recognizes undergraduate engineering students for distinguished scholarship and exemplary character.

Dr. Peters has also made significant contributions with her engineering research. Her work has enhanced the learning atmosphere to drive excellence and set a higher standard for engineering education. Recently, she led a team responsible for a $465,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to establish a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site at Kettering.  She also led another team of faculty members that received an NSF grant of more than $398,000 for the Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE) project. EMERGE is meant to build meaningful partnerships among faculty and industry to help students target their research to industry needs.

"Dr. Peters’s exceptional commitment to her students and the University shines through her innovative teaching and unwavering support,” said Dr. Scott Grasman, ������Ƶ Dean of the College of Engineering. “Her profound impact on engineering education and her dedication to empowering future engineers make her a standout recipient of the Society of Women Engineers Distinguished Educator Award.”  

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Diane Peters for receiving the prestigious SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award,” said ������Ƶ Provost Dr. James Zhang. “This honor not only reflects her exceptional commitment to fostering excellence in engineering education but also underscores our institution’s dedication to empowering the next generation of innovators. Diane’s passion for teaching and mentorship has left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to Dr. Peters for this well-deserved recognition.”

Dr. Peters holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She also has years of industry experience with manufacturers such as A. B. Dick Company (ABDick), Mid-West Automation Systems, Western Printing Machinery, and  LMS International. She has also taught at Oakton Community College and Eastern Michigan University and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan. Dr. Peters joined the ������Ƶ faculty in 2013 and is now an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. 

Dr. Peters has been the Principal Investigator on several grants, including three from the National Science Foundation, and has authored over 90 scholarly papers and publications. She also holds two patents. Her service to SWE includes a variety of positions at all levels. She currently serves on the SWE Research Advisory Council.

In October, Dr. Peters was recognized at WE24, the Society of Women Engineers’ annual conference and career fair in Chicago. WE24 is the world’s largest event dedicated to women engineers and technologists, offering a platform for professional development, networking, and inspiration. Several current Kettering students were in attendance for the event, including Monali Baker ’26 (ME), Dahlie Rose Canalita ’26 (EE), Danielle Ciokajlo ’27 (ME), Adria Dixon ’25 (EE), Tanisha Francis ’25 (CE), Kaia Hospodarsky ’27 (CS), Kayla Hughes ’26 (EE), Meadow Loukmas ’26 (ME), Gabrielle Miller ’25 (ME), Abi Shinoj ’25 (ME), and Sabrina York ’25 (ME). Shelley Knust ’92 (EE), Vice President of Product Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (PCRA) Cummins Inc., also served as one of the keynote speakers for the event. The SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award is one of several honors presented by SWE to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individuals in the engineering field. Congratulations to Dr. Diane Peters for this well-deserved recognition!

 (Photo Credit SWE)

 (Photo Credit SWE)

In December 2023, Dr. Ronald Kumon, ������Ƶ Associate Professor of Natural Sciences, was awarded the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) Terrell Teaching Innovation Grant, a $6,000 investment to transform his Physics 224 course into a cutting-edge learning experience. Dr. Kumon’s goal is to integrate wireless technology and amateur radio in ways that excite students and prepare them for future careers in STEM fields. Through the CETL grant, he’s redefining how hands-on learning meets the future of communication technology.

To prepare for the redesigned course, Dr. Kumon attended national conferences, connected with other universities, and collaborated with Kettering alumni to shape a program that sets students up for success. As part of his outreach, Dr. Kumon participated in key amateur radio events and research initiatives, including a solar eclipse radio experiment that gathered critical scientific data.

“My work on the ‘Electricity and Magnetism’ course is focused on placing the traditional content of the course into the context of a topic of contemporary interest, namely wireless technology,” Dr. Kumon said. “I am planning to use amateur radio licensing as an entry point into wireless technology because it will enable students to gain practical skills and a credential that can potentially last a lifetime.”

Students who take the new course will have the chance to earn an amateur radio license — adding a professional credential to their portfolio. With the course set to launch in Fall 2024, Dr. Kumon is already preparing future coursework, labs, and materials, ensuring students don’t just learn — they lead.