Henry D. Lester

Henry D. Lester is an Associate Professor and Director of the Systems Engineering Program in the Department of Engineering Management, Systems, and Technology at the University of Dayton's School of Engineering. He is a full-time faculty member with prior teaching experience at the University of South Alabama and retired U.S. Army service encompassing technical and leadership roles.

His educational foundation includes advanced degrees across multiple disciplines:

• Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Alabama
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Alabama
• M.S., Applied Statistics, University of Alabama
• M.S., Operations Management, University of Arkansas
• B.S., Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Dr. Lester's research concentrates on modeling, analysis, and optimization of complex operational systems vulnerable to disruptions, with expertise spanning Critical Infrastructure Systems, Forensic Engineering, and Defense applications. His work integrates Engineering Management and Data Analytics to address Decision Tradespace challenges in Natural & Manufactured Disasters contexts.

He maintains active leadership positions in key professional organizations:

• Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

Regarding academic mentorship and funding, the available documentation does not specify student advising activities or grant acquisitions, though his program directorship implies supervisory responsibilities. His teaching portfolio covers core systems engineering curricula including Requirements Engineering, Systems Architecture, and Model-Based Systems Engineering at the University of Dayton, building on prior instruction in Systems Modeling, Risk Analysis, and Engineering Optimization at previous institutions.