RIT Names Hensel to Lead Mechanical Engineering

Rochester Institute of Technology has named Edward Hensel of Fairport department head of mechanical engineering.

RIT’s mechanical engineering program is the largest of six specialized engineering programs in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, the fourth largest of RIT’s eight colleges.

"One of the things that most attracted me to RIT is the focus on student learning and hands-on education," Hensel says. "It’s exciting to be contributing to a world-class, multidisciplinary engineering education experience for our students."

Hensel, 41, comes to RIT from New Mexico State University where he was professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Advanced Manufacturing Center. He served on the Governor’s Business Advisory Committee and the Governor’s Science and Technology Committee in New Mexico and has consulted for a variety of startup companies, multinational corporations, national laboratories and the United States Department of Defense. He was development director for pneuVentures Inc., a manufacturer of pneumatic products.

Hensel’s specialties include management of engineering and technology organizations and thermo-fluid and mechanical-systems design. He earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from New Mexico State University and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University. He wrote the book Inverse Theory and Applications for Engineers and has lectured and taught internationally.

Hensel replaces Satish Kandlikar, who remains at RIT as professor of mechanical engineering.

"We’re excited to have Ed join our ranks," says Harvey Palmer, dean of engineering. "His many talents and experiences are major assets as the college strives to provide the highest quality career-oriented education while expanding and strengthening applied research activities."

Hensel and his wife, Jean, have four children.

Note: According to a national survey by U.S. News & World Report, RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering ranks fourth in the nation among undergraduate engineering programs, offering degrees in computer, electrical, industrial and systems, mechanical, and microelectronic engineering, applied statistics and engineering science.

RIT was the first university to offer undergraduate degrees in microelectronic and software engineering. Founded in 1829, RIT has one of the nation’s oldest and largest cooperative education programs.