Eric Mehiel Interim Associate Dean for Diversity and Student Success, College of Engineering California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

I am currently serving as the Interim Associate Dean for Diversity and Student Success for the College of Engineering and teaching an elective here and there. As Associate Dean, I’m involved in promoting a college culture where students can thrive academically and personally. I’m also heavily involved in several initiatives at the College and University level to create an inclusive learning environment that honors diversity in all forms.

My research focuses on developing the tools required to design and analyze complex aerospace systems. Working with undergraduate and graduate students, and guided by industry needs, my team is developing tools rooted in Model Based Systems Engineering and SysML. The outcome of this research (the Horizon Simulation Framework) is used to model, simulate and analyze the end-to-end behavior of complex aerospace systems.I joined Cal Poly in the fall of 2004 and have taught courses in spaceflight mechanics, dynamics and control, systems engineering, numerical analysis, and spacecraft design. Prior to joining Cal Poly, I worked at The Boeing Company as a System Engineer as part of the Space and Intelligence Systems division. I earned my B.S. in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and M.S. and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with an emphasis in non-linear dynamics and control theory.

I happily live on the California Central Coast and enjoy an active life-style with my wife, two kids and family dogs. I enjoy mountain biking, golf, kayaking, hiking and camping in the many places available around the county. I can surf, but not well.

Official Bio