Faculty biographies

Full-time faculty

	Zella L. Kahn-Jetter, Ph.D., P.E. Dean of Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ph.D.: Polytechnic University MSME: Massachusetts Institute of Technology BME: The Cooper Union Contact information: Rm. 1505 Phone: 360-438-4553 E-mail: DeanOfEngineering@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "Saint Martin’s emphasis on hospitality and encouragement of diversity of viewpoints and cultures. It is a wonderful environment to learn and to work."
Dr. Kahn-Jetter has over twenty years of experience in Catholic higher education. She most recently served as the chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Manhattan College, a private Catholic college in New York following the Lasallian tradition founded by the Christian Brothers. In her tenure at Manhattan, Dr. Kahn-Jetter was involved in student advisement, curriculum development, budget preparation and management, faculty and course scheduling, student affairs, hiring of adjuncts, overseeing full-time and tenure-track faculty appointments, and accreditation. She was very focused on recruitment and retention issues, especially in creating a more diverse student population. Dr. Kahn-Jetter’s most recent area of interest involved studying the mechanical properties of plants and has co-authored numerous articles in plant mechanics.

 

	Amanie Abdelmessih, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering Director of Thermal Engineering Laboratory Ph.D., Oklahoma State University M.S., Alexandria University B.S., Alexandria University Contact information: Rm. 2500 Phone: 360-438-4532 E-mail: abdelmessih@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "The Mechanical Engineering department is located in a beautiful setting of the country. Mechanical engineers have a great potential to work in any industrial, medical, pharmaceutical facilities, consulting, government, or higher education. Mechanical engineers put their noses everywhere."
Dr. Amanie Abdelmessih has industrial, teaching, and research experience. She started her career in the paper industry, then she taught in several higher education institutions, finally joining Saint Martin's University in 1997. Dr. Abdelmessih has performed research at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Research Center, Argonne National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She received numerous awards: 2009 Distinguished Engineering Educator (Society of Women Engineers), 2005 Academic Engineering of the year (Puget Sound Engineering Council), 2000 Outstanding Faculty Award (Monks of Saint Martin's), and five certificates of recognition from NASA for her research contributions. Dr. Abdelmessih is a member of five engineering societies, where she is nationally and internationally active with a couple of these technical societies. Dr. Abdelmessih has numerous publications in the areas of: mixed convection, heat exchangers, high temperature calibrations, refrigeration cycles, thermal energy, etc... Abdelmessih enjoys being the faculty advisor for the Saint Martin's Collegiate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.

 

	Pius O. Igharo, Ph.D. Associate professor, civil engineering Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh M.S., Columbia University B.S., Swarthmore College Contact information: Rm. 2502 Phone: 360-438-4322 E-mail: pigharo@stmartin.edu
Dr. Igharo has more than 30 years experience in industry, consulting and academia, specializing in transportation systems management and design. Dr. Igharo has been teaching at Saint Martin's University since 1996.

 

	Isaac Jung, Ph.D., P.E. Associate professor, mechanical engineering MBA, Saint Martin's University Ph.D., University of Florida M.S., University of Florida B.S., Seoul National University Contact information: Rm. 2507 Phone: 360-438-4316 E-mail: hsjung@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "Saint Martin's University is a Catholic school where you can hear the bells; you can meditate, you can teach below the Cross, where you can talk about God's beautiful design board; some of them are engineering too."
Dr. Jung's specialty is in the field of aerospace, engineering mechanics, system dynamics and machine design. He has been teaching at Saint Martin's University since 1991. Dr. Jung is also the faculty advisor for the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Alpha Tau chapter of Pi Tau Sigma. He is also the advisor for Engineers Without Borders. He also holds the position of Lacey Civil Service Commissioner and is a member of the Committee on Ministry at the Olympia Presbytery.

 

	Dintie S. Mahamah, Ph.D., P.E. Program chair, civil engineering Professor, civil engineering Ph.D., Washington State University M.Sc., Washington State University B.Sc., University of Science and Technology, Ghana Contact information: Rm. 2503 Phone: 360-438-4321 E-mail: dmahamah@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "It is a very family friendly location."
Professor Mahamah is highly qualified in the areas of environmental and water resource engineering, as well as computer modeling. He enjoys riding his bicycle with his kids and watching European football.

 

	Roy D. Sandford Jr. Ph.D.(ABD), P.E. Associate professor, mechanical engineering Ph.D.,(ABD), Rutgers University M.S.M.E., New Jersey Institute of Technology B.S.M.E., New Jersey Institute of Technology Contact information: Rm. 1517 Phone: 360-438-4308 E-mail: rsandford@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "It's hard to pick just one reason and I have many."
Professor Sandford has over 22 years of industrial experience in mathematical modeling, gas turbine engine analysis, and computer application program developments spanning several disciplines. In addition, Sandford has over 19 years of experience teaching mechanical engineering subjects. He has taught engineering at Saint Martin's University since 1992. His background includes seven equivalent years doing graduate work. His academic interests include mechanics and fluid dynamics. His interest is in internal combustion engine developments and hybrid automobiles. Professor Sandford also enjoys playing the violin, reading non-fiction materials related to course work, international problems and domestic issues.

 

	Chun Kyung Seong, Ph.D., P.E. Professor, civil engineering Director, master of civil engineering Ph.D., Lehigh University M.S., Seoul National University B.S., Seoul National University Contact information: Rm. 1518 Phone: 360-438-4318 E-mail: cseong@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "I like the attractive, lively, relaxed and friendly learning environment and surrounding communities. I saw a large potential of success among students. I believe this is the place where I can do what I love and like to do; learning, teaching, conduct research and grow intellectually."
A structural engineer with over 25 years experience, Professor Seong brings a wealth of experience in structural analysis and design for buildings and bridges to the classroom. Professor Seong has been teaching at Saint Martin's University since 1995. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys swimming and fishing. He is also fond of watching movies, operas, and plays.

 

	John R. Sladek, P.E., S.E. Associate professor, civil engineering M.S.C.E., University of Texas at Austin B.S.C.E., Northeastern University Contact information: Rm. 2505 Phone: 360-438-4352 E-mail: jsladek@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "Saint Martin's University is an ideally located civil engineering program with a history and great future potential to prepare competent and well trained engineers to serve local/regional consulting, industry and government agencies."
Professor Sladek has practiced civil and structural engineering for more than 30 years with extensive experience in the design/evaluation of buildings, bridges, and foundations, along with site development and flood plain related issues. He has been with Saint Martin's University since 1985 when he came on as an adjunct professor. In the 2009-2010 academic year he took on the role of advisor to the Saint Martin's student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He visits local elementary, middle and high schools to introduce students to engineering and geology. Fun fact: he was awarded two Varsity letters in crew by Northeastern University; perhaps this will come in handy for the concrete canoe!

Adjunct faculty

Stephen Bao, Ph.D., CPE, CCPE Adjunct professor, engineering management Ph.D., Lulea University of Technology M.Sc., Shanghai Second Medical School B.Sc., Shanghai Jiaotong University Contact information: E-mail: sbao@stmartin.edu

Dr. Bao believes that it is fun and important to teach future industrial leaders to consider human operators in the production system and make the system more efficient and productive. Outside of his duties as a professor he is the editor of Ergonomics and the associate editor for Ergonomics in Design. He enjoys being in the beautiful Northwest and he likes the outdoors. He likes working out, bicycling, kayaking, skiing and playing badminton.

 

	Douglas C. Howie, P.E. Adjunct professor, civil engineering MEM, Saint Martin's University B.S.C.E, Union College Contact information: E-mail: dhowie@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "I teach at St. Martins because I believe it is the responsibility of all engineers to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of engineers. When I was starting out on my career, I was aided by more experienced engineers and it is my time to return the favor."
Professor Howie has lived in western Washington most of his life. Whenever he lived elsewhere, he was always planning to return. His engineering career has been mostly in consulting focusing on water related planning, design, and construction. He currently works fulltime at the Department of Ecology as a storm water engineer in the Water Quality Permit Development Services section. He was a Navy veteran serving in the Seabees for four years. He was an Engineering Aide during my tour of duty providing engineering support to officers within the Naval Civil Engineering Corps. He provided services to Public Works Departments maintaining bases in Bermuda, California, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Outside of the classroom, he and his wife are active in many local animal related issues. He is the President of the Thurston County Humane Society and is on the Board of the Joint Animal Services Commission who manages operation of the Animal Shelter. He visits on a regular basis at St. Peter Hospital with his dog and teaches and evaluates other animal/handler teams for skills and aptitude in visiting with patients.

 

	David B. Jansen, M.S., P.E., LEED-AP Adjunct professor, civil engineering Senior lecturer, engineering management M.S., University of Central Florida B.S., University of Florida Contact information: E-mail: djansen@stmartin.edu
On: "Why Saint Martin's?" "I enjoy the diverse multicultural atmosphere and the students."
Mr. Jansen has been teaching in the Masters of Civil Engineering and Masters of Engineering Management since 1985. He also has more than 28 years experience in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup and currently is director of capital programs at the Washington State Department of Corrections. Outside of his duties in the classroom Mr. Jansen also holds the title of father and (contrary to his youthful appearance) grandfather. He also enjoys public speaking, traveling and diving.

 

	Bill Phillips, M.E.M, P.E. Adjunct professor, civil engineering Director, Masters of Engineering Management M.E.M, Saint Martin's University B.S.C.E, Saint Martin's University Contact information: E-mail: bphillips@stmartin.edu
Bill has over 30 years of experience in the construction field. He earned his BSCE from Saint Martin's University in 1978. Bill has extensive experience with large construction projects. His interests focus on project management and construction management.

 

A. Jim Witsmeer, MSEE, DEngrAA, P.E. Professor, Mechanical Engineering Engineer Degree AA: Stanford University MSEE: University of Southern California BSEE: Illinois Institute of Technology Contact information: Rm. 1524 Phone: 360-438-4323 E-mail: awitsmeer@stmartin.edu

Upon graduation from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1959, Jim Witsmeer received a commission in the U.S. Navy and served three years aboard a destroyer in the Pacific, the final year as the ships Chief Engineer. Mr. Witsmeer left the Navy to work as an engineer on the design of the Apollo command vehicle which successfully brought astronauts to the moon and back. With the assistance of a wonderful wife, Jim became a graduate student and research assistant at Stanford University, working in optimal control and estimation theory. His thesis involved design of the attitude control system for a scientific satellite which is still orbiting the earth and providing useful data today. The following thirty-two years were spent helping his wife raise four children, developing technology, and managing projects at several aerospace companies including Boeing. His main area of expertise involved the application of digital computers to the control of missiles, air- and space-craft. Since his retirement in the year 2000, Dr. Witsmeer has turned his attention to teaching in both business and engineering education. In  2010 he was invited to join the Saint Martin’s Engineering Department. Since joining SMU, Dr. Witsmeer has come to appreciate the friendly environment and especially the ability and dedication of its students. Dr. Witsmeer considers it a great privilege to serve in a prestigious Christian institution of higher education.

Staff

Kailash Gautam Lab Technician Contact information: Zaverl Hall (Engineering Lab) Phone: 360-486-8100 or 360-486-8095 E-mail: kgautam@stmartin.edu

 

Hopie Lopez Engineering Program Specialist Contact information: Rm. 1505 Phone: 360-438-4320 E-mail: hlopez@stmartin.edu