Technical Communication
Conveying scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematic information or ideas to an audience in one or more of the following contexts: technical writing, technical presentations and/or stand-alone visuals. Learn more about TECOM Principles
ASME IMECE 2024 paper detailing a framework and curricular implementation of technical communication in an undergraduate mechanical engineering program.
A work-in-progress guide for technical formatting of journal and conference papers NAHL TECOM Standards
Logic chart illustrating the TECOM model
Curriculum development
- MC311, Thermal-Fluid Systems I. Conceptual architect for the two-course sequence integrating the classical subjects of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. Led a department team of faculty to build the first course in a two-course sequence.
- ME201, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering. Served on the committee to build a new first-course in mechanical engineering introducing the engineering design process, solid modeling, and technical communication as part of a two-course sequence for sophomores. Developed all three lessons addressing Technical Communication (TECOM) for the new course.
- ME202, Introduction to Computational Analysis. Member of the department committee to develop and implement the second in a two-course sequence for mechanical engineers.
- TECOM Instruction. Developed all department instruction on technical communication for engineers and implemented across several courses in both civil and mechanical engineering. Personally delivered instruction to all students in all sections of ME201, CE201, MC312, and ME202 during AY22 and AY23.
- Gas Turbine Laboratory. Developed and implemented a robust gas turbine laboratory experience for cadets majoring in mechanical engineering. The laboratory employs a real gas turbine engine which serves as the auxiliary power unit for the U.S. Army’s UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopter. Also developed and implemented a virtual version of the laboratory experience for export to other schools.
- Pipe Friction Laboratory. Working closely with department faculty and technical staff, refurbished a legacy laboratory test section and deployed it for use in multiple courses to support the civil and mechanical engineering curricula. The upgraded laboratory includes new instrumentation and supports qualitative and quantitative inquiry into hydrodynamics, fluid flow regimes, and uncertainty quantification using single-sample and multi-sample methods.
- Heat Transfer Laboratories. Developed and implemented three robust laboratory experiences for the ME480, Heat Transfer course: Jet impingement heat transfer laboratory, Heat Exchanger Demonstration, and internal flow convection heat transfer laboratory.
- Other curricular development. As Mechanical Division Director or Department Head, supervised and approved many other curricular development initiatives, the most salient of which include: MC486 Mechanical Vibrations (course resurrected and offered after 10-year hiatus); XE300X, Scientific Argument (new elective course for cadets enrolled in Technical Scholars Program); XE310, Biomechanics (new technical elective developed in 2016 and offered jointly with Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences); XE365, Advanced Experimental Methods and Data Processing (new elective offered in hybrid format from part-time faculty member).