Mark Jakiela

Mark Jakiela is the Lee Hunter Professor of Mechanical Design and Program Director for the WashU/UMSL Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds positions in the McKelvey School of Engineering's Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science department. His expertise spans engineering design optimization, computer-aided design, and manufacturing systems analysis.

• Education: PhD (1988), MS (1984), and BS (1983) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan

Research focuses on applying evolutionary computation to design challenges including topology optimization, antenna design, and piezoelectric actuator arrangements. Recent work explores community-based web engineering design systems and remanufacturing cost modeling. Collaborations include Ford, Nissan, Hitachi, and Boeing.

Recipient of the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award (MIT phase). Teaches undergraduate courses like Machine Elements and Senior Design Projects, and graduate courses on Engineering Optimization and Computer-Aided Mechanical Design Processes.

Previously served as Associate Director of MIT's Computer-Aided Design Lab before joining WashU.