Mark W. Richman

Mark W. Richman is an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He currently serves as WPI’s Secretary of the Faculty for a third term beginning in 2021, following previous terms from 2009–2012 and 2015–2018. His leadership focuses on fostering faculty governance through collaborative consensus-building and efficient academic administration. Richman holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Cornell University (1983), an M.S. in Applied Mechanics from the University of Michigan (1979), and a B.S. in Engineering Science from SUNY Buffalo (1978).

His research explores granular materials, studying their fluid-like and solid-like behaviors in industrial applications (e.g., powder compaction, pharmaceutical handling, vibratory sieving) and geotechnical phenomena (e.g., avalanche dynamics, landslide prediction). He emphasizes simplicity and energy efficiency in both research and teaching, aiming to clarify complex concepts. His teaching philosophy integrates clarity, simplicity, and humor to engage students actively.

Professional highlights include recognition in WPI’s 2024 Annual Awards for Faculty and Teaching Assistants. While no specific grants or labs are explicitly mentioned, his work addresses sustainability through energy-efficient granular flow theories. Richman’s governance roles and academic contributions reflect a commitment to institutional advancement and pedagogical innovation.