Engineering

Industrial design professor authors engineering book

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Creative design and mechanical engineering merge in a new book written by a Pennsylvania College of Technology professor of industrial design.

“Engineering for Industrial Designers and Inventors: Fundamentals for Designers of Wonderful Things,” written by Thomas E. Ask, was recently released by publisher O’Reilly Media.

The 216-page book is aimed at students, product and mechanical designers, and inventive makers.

“If you have designs for wonderful machines in mind, but aren’t sure how to turn your ideas into real, engineered products that can be manufactured, marketed and used, this book is for you,” reads the book description.

The publication gives readers a firm grounding in material mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, while exploring topics such as aesthetics, ethnography and branding that influence product appeal and user preference.

A licensed professional engineer, Ask has taught at Penn College for 15 years. He advises the Society of Inventors and Mad Scientists on campus.

Ask is also author of the “Handbook of Marine Surveying,” now in its second edition. The publication is used by students of marine surveying, professional marine surveyors, boatyard operators and technically minded boat owners.

His article, “Ergonomics at Sea,” was included in two international publications last year — Maritime Reporter and Engineering News and The Nautical Institute’s International Maritime Human Element Bulletin.

Ask holds a doctorate in industrial design from Middlesex University, a graduate management certificate from Cornell University, a master of arts in liberal studies from Excelsior College and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois.

He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education.

Ask is among faculty and students featured in “Dream & Do,” the first episode of the “Working Class” series produced by Penn College and WVIA Public Media. “Dream & Do” explores careers related to the field of design.

Penn College’s industrial design major prepares students to become designers of marketable products and systems. For information, visit www.pct.edu/industrial.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

Last Updated June 9, 2016