Professor
ET 214J
801-626-7028
dustinbirch@weber.edu

Education:

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Ph.D. Systems Engineering (Fall 2021)
Research Emphasis: Reliability Engineering, System Safety, Human Factors Engineering

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
M.S. Mechanical Engineering (May 2000)
Research Emphasis: Convective Heat Transfer and Aerospace Propulsion

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
B.S. Mechanical Engineering (March 1997)
Undergraduate Study Emphasis: Mechanical Design, Aerospace Propulsion, Structural Mechanics

Ricks College, Rexburg, ID
A.S. Design and Drafting Engineering Technology (April 1992)
Study Emphasis: Computer Aided Design, Manufacturing Technology

Professional Registration:

State of Utah – Professional Engineer (Mechanical:  Machine Design and Materials)
License Number:  323747-2202
Status: Active

Teaching Experience:

Weber State University, Ogden, UT:
Professor – Mechanical Engineering (ME) / Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) (Spring 2022 – Present)
Associate Professor – Mechanical Engineering (ME) / Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) (Spring 2017 – Spring 2022)
Assistant Professor – Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) (Fall 2011 – Spring 2017)

Industrial Experience:

Engineering Consultant

Thermal, Structural, Dynamic Analysis (FEA), Material Fatigue and Failure Analysis, Mechanical Design (Gearing, Powertrains, Tooling), FAA Design and Test Documentation (14 CFR Part 33 – Airworthiness Standards: Aircraft Engines), Reliability Engineering, Manufacturing Process Control.

ClearStream Environmental, Draper, UT:
Director of Engineering (November 2007-August 2011)
Led the technical team responsible for the design, fabrication, and installation of process equipment for a worldwide customer base.

Williams International, Walled Lake, MI & Ogden, UT:
Turbine Cell Manager (April 2004 – November 2007)
Led the technical team responsible for the design and fabrication of gas turbine rotors and blades used in various military and commercial aircraft engines.

Lead Engineer / Senior Engineering Specialist (September 2002 – April 2004)
Project management of test rigs and gas turbine engines for advanced technology development.

Senior Engineer (January 2000 – September 2002)
Gas turbine engine design, thermal and structural analysis (FEA), and test engineering support.

Engineering 4D, Salt Lake City, UT:
Engineer / Co-Founder (January 1998 – January 2000)
CAD customization and programming.  Automation of industrial equipment design and blueprint production for industrial equipment fabrication and installation.

WesTech Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT:
Designer / Engineering (May 1993 – December 1997)
Detail design of process equipment.  Customization and automation of CAD software.

Tetra Tech, Salt Lake City, UT:
CAD Designer / Engineering Technician (June 1992 – May 1993)
Detail drafting of site equipment and mapping of facilities.  Field work including surveying and environmental sampling.  Administration of office CAD software installation and associated hardware.

Professional Societies:
AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering)
ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education)
ISSS (International System Safety Society)