Dr. Kirstie Plantenbergs' Curriculum Vitae

Biographical Data

Birthdate: 11/9/67
Place of Birth: Warren, Michigan
Citizenship: USA

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, August 1998
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Dissertation Title: ‘The Effects of Vibration on Dry Friction’
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Specialization: Tribology
Minor: Mathematics
HPA: 3.93

Bachelor of Science, December 1990
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Major: Mechanical Engineering
HPA: 3.87 Summa Cum Laude.

Work Experience

Assistant Professor, 2000 – Present
Mechanical Engineering Department
University of Detroit, Mercy
Responsibilities: Teach assigned classes, serve on university and department committees, research and scholarship.

Assistant Professor, 1998 - 2000
Mechanical Engineering Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Responsibilities: Teach assigned classes, A.S.M.E. Student Section Advisor, serve on university and department committees, research and scholarship.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1994 – 1998
Mechanical Engineering Department
Wayne State University
Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Kline, Dr. Mehmet Uras
Responsibilities: Teach Engineering Graphics.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1993 – 1994
Mechanical Engineering Department
Wayne State University
Advisor: Dr. Mehmet Uras
Responsibilities: Assist in teaching the capstone design course.

Test Lab Assistant, Summer of 1988 and 1989
General Motors Corporation, Inland Division
Supervisor: Reza Emami
Responsibilities: Assist in testing automotive seats, and designing and drafting test fixtures.

Drafter, December 1983 – March 1984
Hydra – Lock Corporation
Supervisor: Richard Dietz
Responsibilities: Draft hydraulically operated arbors and chucks.

Honors and Awards

Wayne State University Engineering Student-Faculty Board Excellence in Teaching Award 1997 and 1998.

Thomas C. Rumble University Graduate Fellowship 1990-1993

Teaching Experience

• Engineering Graphics (AutoCAD, I-DEAS)
• Statics
• Dynamics
• Material Science
• Numerical Analysis
• Linear Systems
• Automatic Controls
• Vibration and Control Lab
• Fluid Mechanics
• Heat Transfer
• Capstone Design Group Supervisor

Institutional Service

Write a Proposal for a New Civil Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2000
Responsibilities: Assess industrial demand, student interest, and program duplication. Determine budget and financial information and develop the program’s curriculum.

A.S.M.E. Student Section Advisor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, 1999 - 2000
Responsibilities: Supervise the A.S.M.E. student section activities. Accompany students to conferences and seminars.

Computer Experience

• AutoCAD
• I-DEAS
• FORTRAN
• C++
• Mathematica
• MATLAB/Simulink
• EASY5
• PCTex

Graduate / Post Graduate Course Work

Tribology

• Tribology: Friction, Lubrication and Wear, Summer Session Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dynamics / Vibration

• Analytical Dynamics
• Nonlinear Vibration

Controls

• Nonlinear Controls
• Optimal Controls

Biomechanics

• Biomechanics I and II

Finite Elements

• Finite Elements I and II

Publications

Engineering Education

M. P. Hennessey, K. A. Plantenberg, J. Hodge, W. Markus, ‘The Use of Computer-Aided-Engineering in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Mechanical Engineering Program’, Proceedings of the ASEE 2000:  North Central Section Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN September 29 – October 1, 2000

Tribology

Kirstie Plantenberg, Mehmet Uras, ‘The Effects of Vibration on Dry Friction’, [To be Submitted for publication], Transactions of the ASME Journal of Tribology

Kirstie Plantenberg, ‘Relationship Between the Real Area of Contact and Friction’, [To be Submitted for publication], Transactions of the ASME Journal of Tribology

Professional Associations

• A.S.M.E. (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
• A.S.E.E. (American Society of Engineering Educators)
• S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers)