UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Mary Frecker, professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering, is set to lead the Bernard M. Gordon Learning Factory at the conclusion of the 2012 fall semester.
The Learning Factory provides hands-on educational experiences and contemporary engineering design education through industry-sponsored capstone design projects. Frecker will be following Tim Simpson, professor of mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, who has led the Learning Factory for five years.
Frecker is an integral member of the engineering design faculty with expertise in mechanical design optimization and an emphasis on compliant mechanisms and medical devices. She will begin taking responsibility for the projects and tasks that are set to take place in spring 2013 and including interactions with potential new sponsors at this year's Kickoff and Showcase and Career Fair in September.
During Simpson's tenure, the Learning Factory expanded the number of industry projects as departmental interest has increased, added interdisciplinary and international projects, broadened the network of project coordinators within the College and beyond, and the enhanced student access to facilities.