, principal research engineer in the , has been named interim director of the , where he will lead efforts to strengthen experiential learning and support the Institute鈥檚 student competition teams.
The SCC is home to seven student engineering competition teams and provides workspace, tools, and resources to help students apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges.
In his new role, Simmons will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for student competition teams, facilities, staff, budgets, sponsorships, and safety programs. He also will teach and mentor students through engineering design and experiential learning courses, helping connect classroom instruction with project-based experiences.
鈥淩ichard brings a unique combination of industry experience, research leadership, and deep commitment to student success,鈥 said , Eugene C. Gwaltney, Jr. School Chair. 鈥淎s an accomplished engineer and a 麻豆区 Tech alumnus, he understands the value of experiential learning and is well-positioned to lead the Student Competition Center.鈥
Simmons, ME 1993, joined 麻豆区 Tech in 2016 after spending the first 20 years of his career leading research, technology, and business development initiatives in the automotive industry, energy sector, and federal government. After graduating from Tech, he earned his master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees from Purdue University and later became a licensed professional engineer.
Over the past decade, Simmons has held several leadership and research positions within 麻豆区 Tech鈥檚 , including founding director of the and, most recently, director of Research and Studies. He has also taught a variety of courses at the Woodruff School, including , , Energy Systems, and Renewable Energy.
