Hugh Jack met the basic criteria for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award without much effort--he is younger than 35.
The rest was not so easy.
Among the reasons the SME cites for honoring Jack is his initiative in starting new courses. Jack, an assistant professor in the Padnos School of Engineering at GVSU, has taught 21 different courses, including six new ones. Most recently, he designed a new course in Manufacturing Controls that is distinguished by its practical approach.
I'm actually writing a book for the course because I can't find materials that go beyond the technician level to the engineering level, he explains. Traditionally at a university, a controls course would focus on mathematics, which is fine if you're designing motor controls for a space shuttle where you need to do extremely precise math. But it's very different for the average engineer who is on the factory floor doing much more hands on work.
In 1997, a year after he arrived at GVSU, Jack had students design a machine that he uses in the lab of his controls class. The machine includes an automated drill press and embossing stamp, and other tools that can be controlled automatically. Each semseter, students must reconfigure the machine for a project.
This is what manufacturing companies are doing every day, Jack says, gesturing toward the machine. Either it works or it doesn't, just like on the factory floor. It's not mathematical theory.
In granting the award to Jack, the SME also cited his extensive use of the Internet in teaching on-line courses, his research in rapid prototyping, leading GVSU's effort to gain accreditation for the undergraduate engineering program, and leading GVSU's curriculum committee in the development of the university's Master of Engineering Science degree with a manufacturing emphasis.
The SME created the award in 1979 because young engineers were overshadowed by older engineers who were recognized for achievements over long periods. Jack is one of nine recipients of the prestigious award for 2000. The honor is in recognition of outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the field of manufacturing engineering.
Since 1991 the SME has named the Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award in honor of an SME member who is considered a role model for younger engineers.. This year the award is named for John T. Parsons, known for his 70 year history in manufacturing and his contribution to the automotive and aerospace industries.
Parsons was one of the pioneers, and it's nice that the award I'm receiving this year is named for him, Jack says. He developed the CNC (Computer-based, Numerically Controlled) machines. Almost all the local companies have at least one CNC machine. The award is also nice for the university. It's nice to know from area companies that we're fulfilling our mission to meet their needs. But this award gives us international recognition.
Jack is in good company as a recipient of the award. Other recipients of the award include young engineers from well-known companies like Ford and Hewlett-Packard, as well as prestigious universities including the University of Michigan and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jack will receive the award officially May 24 at the North American Manufacturing Research Conference in Lexington, Kentucky.
