Mark French

Mark French is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology within Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute, where he has served since 2004 after transitioning from aerospace engineering and automotive industry careers. His work uniquely bridges industrial practice and academia through experimental mechanics and stringed instrument design.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech (1985)
• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton (1988)
• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton (1993)

Prof. French's research centers on Experimental Mechanics, Noise and Vibration Analysis, and Stringed Instrument Design, where he innovates by merging traditional luthiery with modern engineering techniques like CNC machining and fractional calculus modeling. His work emphasizes practical applications in industrial support systems and guitar craftsmanship.

His publication trend reveals a consistent focus on translating engineering principles to musical instrument design, particularly through American Lutherie journal articles that blend academic rigor with artisanal practice. Recent works emphasize CNC automation in luthiery, historical building methods, and mechanical impedance analysis.

His honors include:

• Three College Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching (2008, 2014, 2018)
• 2018 University-level Murphy Teaching Award
• 2018 Purdue Book of Great Teachers
• 2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Brewer Award
• 2024 Purdue MEP Lifetime Achievement Award for industry impact

Through Purdue's TAP40 program, French has managed over 115 industry projects providing fee-free technical assistance to Indiana businesses, impacting hundreds of jobs with eight-figure economic benefits. He mentors students in the Guitar Lab while leading industry collaborations like the Gibson partnership. His YouTube channel (7.7M views) extends his educational reach globally.

He directs the Purdue Guitar Lab, which has produced custom instruments including the 2025 Indianapolis Colts 'Win for Jim' tribute guitar. The lab's Gibson partnership and collaborations with local businesses like Freckles Graphics and Prime Body and Paint create experiential learning opportunities combining engineering technology with musical artistry.