Kevin Oldknow

Kevin Oldknow is an Associate Professor at the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, Simon Fraser University (SFU), with a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation. His research focuses on railway systems, including vehicle-track interaction dynamics, wheel-rail mechanics, and energy efficiency. He holds a Ph.D., M.A.Sc., and B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics from UBC, complemented by executive education in strategy and innovation from MIT and the University of Chicago.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia (2004)
• M.A.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia (2000)
• B.A.Sc., Engineering Physics, University of British Columbia (1996)
• Continuing Studies: MIT/Sloan Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation (2009–2010), Kellogg Shaping Innovation Leaders (2008), and Chicago Booth Finance for Executives (2012).

Research Interests: Vehicle-track system modeling, wheel-rail tribology, railway energy efficiency, and manufacturing systems engineering. His work bridges theoretical models with practical applications in heavy-haul operations, friction management, and sustainable transportation.

Teaching Contributions: Courses include SEE 241 – Engineering Measurement, MSE 380 – Dynamic Systems Modeling, and entrepreneurship-focused programs like MSE 403/404 – Technology Entrepreneurship.

Labs and Teams: Active in SFU’s Sustainable Energy Engineering labs, focusing on rail dynamics, simulation tools, and sustainable systems design.