HODGE E. JENKINS, PH.D., P.E.
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

School of Engineering

Mercer University Macon, Georgia 31207

EDUCATION:

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1996
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 1985
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 1981

APPOINTMENTS AT MERCER UNIVERSITY:
Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering, 2018-2023

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, 2008 - 2024.

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, 2002 - 2008.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Member of Technical Staff

Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies / OFS-FITEL, LLC , Norcross, GA
Optical Fiber Research and Development.

Responsible for development and design of optical fiber draw machinery including capstan feeds, sensor development, force-control tensioners, high speed spooling and transfer equipment. Developed and designed advanced process equipment and control systems for VAD (vapor axial deposition) glass deposition and sintering. 6/96 - 7/02

Graduate Research Assistant

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 8/94-6/96

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA  8/93- 8/94

Thesis research in grinding process estimation and control.

Project Engineer

Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Mechanical design, product development, and project management for various research programs. Projects included orthopedic pliers for surgical bone reduction, explosion-triggered air sampling devices, sensor chambers, a railbed magnetic sweeper and several automation and materials handling equipment for the US Postal Service. 10/88 - 8/93

Manager of Mechanical Engineering/Senior Engineer

Molytek, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA

Responsible for bringing to market new instrument designs, supporting existing products to improve quality or decrease cost. Products included data loggers, chart recorders, printers, and thermal-pulse flow sensors, high vacuum valves, and vacuum resin sealing system. I was responsible for mechanical hardware design and electronic packaging. 11/87-10/88

Project Engineer

Fisher Scientific Co., Research and Development, Pittsburgh, PA

Designed, developed and programmed laboratory robotic/automation systems, including instruments and related equipment. Work entailed machine design, pneumatics, sensors and mechanical/electrical design. Developed various automated processes from manual operations. 11/85-11/87

Engineer

Westinghouse Electric Corp., Nuclear Technology Div., Monroeville, PA

Responsible for dynamic analyses of reactor pressure vessels and control rod drive mechanisms. Performed stress, vibration and thermal-hydraulic analyses; including finite element techniques for modeling, simulation and evaluation.  6/81-11/85

COURSES TAUGHT

Mercer University
EGR 107 Freshman Design
EGR 232 Statics and Mechanics of Materials
EGR 233,EGR 236 Dynamics
EGR 386 Feedback Control and Modeling for Engineers
EGR 480 Introduction to Senior Design
EGR 487 Senior Design Exhibition I
EGR 488 Senior Design Exhibition II
MAE 205 Engineering Graphics
MAE 305 Manufacturing Practices
MAE 322 Machine Design
MAE 422 Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
MAE 425 Vibrations
MAE 621 Advanced Solid Mechanics
MAE 623 Machine Dynamics

Special Topics

MAE 591/491 Mechatronics

MAE 491 Dynamic Systems Modeling

MAE 691 Modern Control Theory

ME-4445 Automatic Controls (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Workshop on Prototyping Technologies in Industry for the Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment, Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 1995.

PUBLICATIONS

• Jenkins, Hodge; Schultz, Scott; Hyun, Sinjae, "Obtaining a Combined BSE and MSE in 4.5 to 5 Years: What Are Implications of This Path for Students and Employers?” 2022 ASEE Southeastern Section Annual Conference held at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, March 2022, pp. 1-
• Jenkins, Hodge, “Effects of the 2020 COVID Quarantine on Machine Design Course Performance,” 2021 ASEE-SE Conf. (virtual), March 2021, pp. 1-4
• Jenkins, Hodge,“Efficacy of Teaching Professional Engineering Ethics to Engineering Students,” 2020 ASEE-SE Conf. , Auburn, AL, March 2020, pp. 1-4.
• Schultz, Scott; Kohn, Dan; Brocato, John; Wigal, Cecelia; Jenkins, Hodge; Hall, Tyson,“ASEE-SE: A Retrospective,” 2019 ASEE-SE Conf. Raleigh, NC, March 2019, pp. 1-6.
• Jenkins, H.E.,“Review of Project-Based Learning in a Junior Level Mechanical Engineering Course,” 2017 ASEE Zone II Conf. , San Juan, PR, March 2017, pp. 1-6.
• Jenkins, H.E.,“Observations from First Use of An Online Homework and Learning Management System,” 2016 ASEE-SE Conf. , Tuscaloosa, AL, March 2016, pp. 1-8.
• Jenkins, H.E., Schultz, S.R., “The Final Exam – To Have or Have Not,” 2013 ASEE-SE Conf. , Cookeville, TN, March 2013, paper 152, pp. 1-8.
• Philip T. McCreanor, P.T., Lackey. L.W., Jenkins, H.E., Hyun, S., Leonard, M., “Encouraging Undergraduate Engineering Students to Generate Research and Design Publications,” 2013 ASEE-SE Conf. , Cookeville, TN, March 2013, paper 150, pp. 1-10.
• Bubacz, M., McCreanor, P.T., Jenkins, H.E., “Engineering of Beer: Hard Work of Too Much Fun?” 2013 ASEE-SE Conf. , Cookeville, TN, March 2013, paper 175, pp. 1-10.

• Jenkins, H.E., Schultz, S.R., Vo, H.V., “A Different Approach to Multi-Discipline Senior Design,” 2012 ASEE-SE Conf. , Charleston, SC, April 2012, paper 501, pp. 1-10.

• Jenkins, H.E., “A Review of On-line Instruction in Introductory Engineering Mechanics Courses,” 2011 ASEE-SE Conf. , Charleston, SC, April 2011, paper, 135, pp. 1-7.

• Bubacz, M. , Kunz, R.K., and Jenkins, H.E., “Introducing Supplemental Instruction to Mercer University Engineering Curriculum,” 2011 ASEE-SE Conf. , Charleston, SC, April 2011, paper 187, pp. 1-9.

• Jenkins, H.E., “Independent Research in Dynamics, a Case Study in Student Learning,” 2010 ASEE-SE Conf. , Blacksburg, VA, April 2010, paper, 2010JEN134, pp. 1-10.

• Jenkins H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Development of a Cascaded Controller for Temperature and Core Growth Rate in Vapour-Phase Axial Deposition,” Journal of Systems and Control Engineering , Vol. 223, Number 6, 2009, pp. 863-875.

• McKay, M.J. and Jenkins, H.E., “Precision Grasping with Variable Compliance Using Force Sensing Resistors,” 2009 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress , Paper IMECE2009-10477, pp. 1-10, 2009.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Lackey, L.W., “Survey of Teaching Assessments at Engineering Educational Institutions,” 2009 ASEE-SE Conf. , Marietta, GA, April 2009, paper, 2009063JEN, pp. 1-7.

• Lackey, L.W., Jenkins, H.E., Mines, R.O., and Schultz, S.R., Utilizing Senior Capstone Design as an Instrument for Student and Faculty Assessment of Program Outcomes,” 2009 ASEE-SE Conf. , Marietta, GA, April 2009, paper, 2009006MIN, pp. 1-11.

• Jenkins H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Design and Control of a Capstan Pulley Draw System for Optical Fiber Manufacturing,” ESDA 2008, 9th Biennial ASME Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis , July 7-8, 2008, Haifa, Israel, pp. 1-7.

• Jenkins H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Cascaded Control of Temperature and Core Growth in Vapor-Phase Axial Deposition,” 2008 International Symposium on Flexible Automation , June 23-25, 2008, Atlanta, GA, pp. 1-7.

• Radharamanan, R. and Jenkins, H.E., “Real-Time, CNC Machine Tool Control With Linux: A Capstone Design Case Study,” 2008 International Symposium on Flexible Automation , June 23-25, 2008, Atlanta, GA, pp. 1-7.

• Jenkins, H.E., “Hands-on Learning with Computer Simulation Modules for Dynamic Systems,” 2008 ASEE-SE Conf. , Memphis, TN, April 2008, paper 2008010JEN, pp. 1-11.

• Radharamanan, R. and Jenkins, H.E., “Laboratory Learning Modules on CAD/CAM and Robotics in Engineering Education,” International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control, Vol. 4, No. 2, April 2008.

• Jenkins, H.E and Radharamanan, R., “Diameter and Temperature Control in Vapor-Phase Axial Deposition for Optical Fiber Production,” International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control , Vol.3, No.6, December 2007.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Capstan Design for Drawing Optical Fiber: A Case Study in Mechatronics," 2007 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress , Paper IMECE2007-41105, pp. 1-8, 2007.

• Jenkins, H.E., “Capstan Speed Control in the Optical Fiber Drawing Process: A Case Study for Mechatronics” 2007ASEE-SE Conf. , Louisville, KY, April 2007, paper 2007009JEN, pp. 1-11.

• Jenkins, H.E and Radharamanan, R., “Control Approach for Mitigating Off-Axis Position Variation in Vapor-Phase Axial Deposition,” 39th Southeastern Symposium on System Theory , March 2007, paper number, MB3.1, pp. 137-141.

• Radharamanan, R. and Jenkins, H.E., “Robot Applications in Laboratory-Learning Environment,” 39th Southeastern Symposium on System Theory, March 2007, paper number, MB1.1, pp. 85-89.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Burtner, J.M., “An Approach to Develop and Measure Engineering Visualization in an Introductory Mechanics Course using Computer-Aided Learning Modules,” International Journal of Engineering Education , Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 150-161, 2007.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Cascaded Control for Regulating Soot Geometry in Vapor-Phase Axial Deposition," 2006 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress , Paper 14197, pp. 1-7.

• Jenkins, H.E and Radharamanan, R., “Closed-Loop Control in the VAD Process: A Case Study for Modeling and Control,” 2006 Int. Symposium on Flexible Automation , Osaka, Japan, July 2006, paper 0223, pp 1-6.

• Radharamanan, R. and Jenkins, H.E., “CAD/CAM and Robotics in Undergraduate Engineering Education at MUSE,” 2006 Int. Symposium on Flexible Automation , Osaka, Japan, July 2006, paper 0237, pp 1-7.

• Jenkins, H.E., “Frame Analysis and Design Computer Classroom/Laboratory Module for Machine Design,” 2006 ASEE-SE Conf. , Tuscaloosa , AL , April 2006, paper 2006005JEN, pp. 1-11.

• Lackey, L.W., Mines, R.O., Jenkins, H.E., “Engineering Student Self-assessment in a Capstone Design Course,” 2006 ASEE-SE Conf. , Tuscaloosa , AL , April 2006.

• Jenkins, H.E., Nagurka, M.L., and Kurfess, T.K., “Robot Dynamics and Control,” Chapt.14.2, Electrical Engineering Handbook, 3 rd Ed. , Systems, Controls, Embedded Systems, Energy, and Machines , CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2006.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Lackey, L.W., “Preparing Engineering Students for Working in Teams through Senior Design Project,” IEEE PCS-IPCC 2005 , Limerick , Ireland , July 10-13 2005, pp. 1-8.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Mahaney, J.M., “Improving Mechanical Design Education using Solid Modeling and Finite Element Analysis Modules,” 2005ASEE-SE Conf. , Chattanooga , TN , April 2005.

• Jenkins, H.E, “Design of Robotic End Effectors,” Robotics and Automation Handbook , Chapter 11, CRC Press, Boca Raton , Florida , 2005.

• Jenkins, H.E, “Manufacturing Automation,” Robotics and Automation Handbook , Chapter 26, CRC Press, Boca Raton , Florida , 2005.

• Jenkins, H.E. “Increasing Student Interest and Understanding in a First Mechanics Course through Software Modules,” 2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress , paper 60737, pp.1-7.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Nagurka, M.L., “Teaching a Senior-Level Mechatronics Course in Mechanical Engineering,” 2004 Japan-USA Symposium on Flexible Automation , Denver, CO, July 19-21, 2004, paper UL-047, pp.1-7.

• Jenkins, H.E. and Moody, L., “Capstone Design Management Perspectives of Industrially-Trained Faculty,” 2004 ASEE-SE Conference, Auburn , AL , April, 2004.

• Kurfess, T. R. and Jenkins, H., “Ultra-High Precision Control,” Chapter 9.3, Control System Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 2000.
• Jenkins, H. E., Kurfess, T. R., “Adaptive Pole-Zero Cancellation in Grinding Force Control,” The IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Vol. 7, No. 3, May 1999, pp. 363-370.
• Kurfess, T. R., Ludwick, S.  J., and Jenkins, H. E., “Design and Implementation of a Tube Wall Thickness Measurement System,” Vol. 120, No.2, pp. 472-7, The ASME Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 1998.
• Jenkins, H. E., Kurfess, T. R., “Dynamic Stiffness Implications for a Multi-Axis Grinding System,” The Journal of Vibration and Control, Vol. 3, 1997, pp. 297-313.
• Jenkins, H. E., Kurfess, T. R., and Ludwick, S.J., “Determination of a Dynamic Grinding Model,” Vol. 119, No. 2, 1997, pp. 289-293. The ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control.
• Jenkins, H. E., Kurfess, T.R., Dorf, R.C., “Design of a Robust Controller for a Grinding System,” The IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Vol. 4, No. 1, January 1996, pp. 40-49.
• Kurfess, T.R. and Jenkins, H., “Ultra-High Precision Control,” Chapter 77.3, The Control Handbook, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 1996.
• Jenkins, H.E., Kurfess, T.R., “Optimization of Real-Time Multivariable Estimation in Grinding,” 1996 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, DSC Vol. 58, pp. 365-370, Atlanta, GA, November 1996.
• Kurfess, T.R., Jenkins, H.E., “Real-Time Grinding Process Estimation via Data Fusion,” Proceedings of the 1996 NSF Design and Manufacturing Grantees Conference, pp. 389-390.
• Jenkins, H.E., Kurfess, T.R., Nagurka, M.L., “Force Control Experiments for Engineering Graduate Students,” 1995 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, DSC Vol. 57-2, pp. 1039-1046.
• Jenkins, H.E., Kurfess, T.R., “Implementation of a Real-time Grinding Process Estimator,” Proceedings of the ASPE 1995 Annual Meeting, pp. 251-254.
• Kurfess, T.R., Jenkins, H.E., “Dynamic Stiffness Analysis for Precision Grinding,” Proceedings of the 1995 NSF Design and Manufacturing Grantees Conference, pp. 339-340.
  

DIRECTED STUDENT RESEARCH

• Byron Keith Givens Jr., Master of Science in Engineering, Thesis: “Adaptive Geometry Robotic Gripper with Force Control,” Completed June 2009.
• Mark J. McKay, Independent research in “Precision Grasping with Variable Compliance Using Force Sensing Resistors,” Completed Summer 2008.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES:

Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PE-035733-E)

Immediate Past President-Elect ASEE SE for 2018-19

President ASEE SE for 2017-18

President-Elect ASEE SE for 2016-17

ASEE SE Newsletter Editor and Webmaster 2015- 2021.

Vice-President ASEE SE (Programs Unit) 2013-14

Vice-President ASEE SE (Awards and Recognition Unit) 2013-14

Conference Site Coordinator ASEE SE 2013-14

Program Chair ASEE SE 2012-13

Unit Officer ASEE SE Region, Secretary Publications and Promotions 2009-2010

Unit Officer ASEE SE Region, Secretary Publications and Promotions 2008-2009

Chair of Instructional Division for ASEE SE Region, 2007-2008

Chair of Mechanical Engineering Division for ASEE SE Region, 2006-2007

Associate Editor IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 1996-1997

Member of Programming Committee for the International Symposium on Flexible Automation 2008, 2006, and 2004.
President Sigma Xi Research Society - Mercer Chapter 2007-8

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society for Engineering Education

HONORS AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION:

Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, Sigma Xi Honor Societies

Tilmans-Dion Section Service Award 2014, American Society for Engineering Education - Southeastern Section

 

PATENTS:

“Housing for an optical fiber preform torch,” July, 17, 2004, Patent Number 6,767,205
“Magnetic sweeper apparatus and method,” January 9, 1996, Patent Number 5,481,983