Bill Hemphill

Bill Hemphill is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Engineering Technology at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), affiliated with the School of Science, Engineering, and Math. He leads the ETSU Guitar Building Project and has taught over 30 courses spanning engineering drawing, CNC programming, and technical communication during his 30+ year tenure.

• MS, Engineering Technology (1992), East Tennessee State University
• BS, Mechanical Engineering (1981), University of Tennessee

His research focuses on high-impact design/prototype/build practices, STEM/STEAM engagement, and acoustic/electric guitar fabrication, with expertise in CADD/CAM/CNC toolpath optimization, rapid product development, and 3D-printed tooling for polymer casting. Recent projects emphasize acoustic guitar bracing analysis and educational innovation.

Scientific awards include winning ETSU's 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Funded research highlights include grants for acoustic guitar bracing studies (2024, $14,580) and educational development ($5,000). Collaborations span biomedical simulation systems, robotic jockey design for miniature horses, and NASA-related soap film automation projects.