Richard Ruhala

Richard Ruhala is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kennesaw State University (KSU), part of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. He joined the university in 2010 after the merger of Southern Polytechnic State University with KSU. His roles include serving as the departmental Coordinator for ABET accreditation and Continuous Improvement processes. He teaches courses such as ME 4501 (Vibrations & Controls Lab), ME 4520 (Acoustics and Noise Control), and ME 4400 (Directed Study), and has developed numerous technical electives in acoustics and dynamics. His research focuses on noise control, classroom acoustics, tire/pavement interaction noise, and the impacts of face coverings during the pandemic. He collaborates with his wife, Dr. Laura Ruhala, on medical device and sports injury mechanics projects.

Education:

• Ph.D., Acoustics, The Pennsylvania State University, 1999
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 1991

Research Interests:

Ruhala specializes in acoustics and vibration engineering. His work addresses environmental noise pollution, classroom acoustics optimization, and noise reduction strategies for mechanical systems such as HVAC equipment and tires. Recent projects include analyzing face coverings' acoustic effects during pandemics and improving noise control in campus environments. He is a member of the Institute for Noise Control Engineering (INCE) and the Acoustical Society of America (ASA).

Grants & Advising:

• Advises undergraduate research students in directed studies
• Focuses on applied acoustics projects with real-world engineering applications

Labs/Teams:

Collaborates with the Acoustics Research Group at KSU and partners with industry for noise control solutions. His work often intersects with biomedical engineering through joint projects with Dr. Laura Ruhala.