Matthew Lawrence
Education
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering - Machine Design, August 2007 | Dissertation: A Novel Machine to Produce Fuel Nuggets From Non-Recyclable Plastics
- M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering - Machine Design, December 2004 | Thesis: A Machine to Precision Punch Plastic Mulch
- B.S. in Agricultural Engineering - Power and Machinery Option, August 1997
Teaching Overview
MECH 1003
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Technology - time management, Microsoft Office, unit conversion, process documentation, logical problem solving
BSET 1003
Introduction to Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology - time management, Microsoft Office, unit conversion, process documentation, logical problem solving
MECH 1104
Air Conditioning Principles - psychrometrics, heat transfer principles, heating and cooling loads for buildings, forced air system design, hydronic system design
MECH 1343
Computer Problems - logical problem solving and Microsoft Excel
MECH 1641
Manufacturing Processes Lab - safe and proper use of manufacturing machines (lathe, mill, bandsaws, grinders, etc.)
MECH 1643
Manufacturing Processes - terminology, tools, and methods of modern manufacturing
MECH 3334
Statics - rigid body analysis in two and three dimensions, truss and structure design, friction, centroids and center of gravity, moments of inertia
MECH 4523
Control Systems - basic electronics, ladder logic, pneumatics, PLCs, microcontrollers
MECH 6003
Machine Design III - welded frames, lubricants, reliability engineering, hydraulic circuit design, planetary gear sets
MECH 6123
Tool Die and Fixture Design - press types, steel types, die selection, fixture design
MECH 7143
Machine Component Specification - belts, gears, fasteners, material conveying systems
MECH 7153
Fluid Power Systems Design - fluid properties, conductors, pumps, valves, actuators, heat exchangers, filtration. *Students are prepared to sit for the International Fluid Power Society Hydraulic Specialist Exam at the completion of this course.
MECH 7223
Energy Systems - fundamentals of energy and power systems, design and analysis of alternative energy systems
BSET 8003
Senior Technical Project - individual design projects
MECH 8323
Design of Machine Elements - hydraulic system design, off-road driveline design, welded frame design
MECH 4134
Introduction to Renewable Energy – energy, power, renewable sources, siting, and sizing
Professional Experience
- ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State College, ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, NY | Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology, August 2007 - Present
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA | Teaching Assistant, Fall 2004 and Spring 2006
- Cisco Systems, San Jose, CA and Arlington, VA | Technical Marketing Engineer, February 1999-August 2003
- Parker Hannifin, Clovis, CA | Field Engineer, August 1997-February 1999
- Cummins Engine, Jamestown, NY | Co-Op Engineer, Spring 1995 (Plant Engineering) and Summer 1996 (Assembly and Test Engineering)
Publications and Events
- Lawrence, M.J. 2017. “Disposal of Agricultural Plastics" A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture. Edited by Michael D. Orzolek, William Andrew Applied Science Publishers, pp 187-195.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2013. Establishing a Fluid Power Program at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State College. Fluid Power Journal, May/June 2013.
- Lawrence, M.J., J.W. Garthe, and D.R. Buckmaster. 2010. Producing Solid Fuel from Nonrecyclable Plastic. Journal of Applied Engineering in Agriculture Vol. 26(2) 217-223.
- Lawrence, M.J., D.R. Buckmaster., J.W. Garthe, and R. C. Hedden. 2009. A Method to Predict Perimeter Melt Depth of Non-Recyclable Plastic Forced Through a Heated Die. Selected for Best Paper Award. 35th National Agricultural Plastics Congress. July 13-15. State College, PA
- Lawrence, M.J. 2007. A Novel Machine to Produce Fuel Nuggets from Nonrecyclable Plastics. PhD Thesis. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
- Lawrence, M.J., D.R. Buckmaster, and W.J. Lamont, Jr. 2007. An Auto-Dibbling Machine for Plastic Mulch. Journal of Applied Engineering in Agriculture Vol. 23(4) 419-424.
- Lawrence, M.J., D.R. Buckmaster, and W.J. Lamont, Jr. 2006. An Auto-Dibbling Machine for Plastic Mulch. 33rd National Plastics Congress. November 2-5. San Antonio, TX.
- Lawrence, M.J., J.W. Garthe, and D.R. Buckmaster. 2006. A New Look at Making Plastic-Derived Fuel - The Plastofuel 500. 33rd National Plastics Congress. November 2-5. San Antonio, TX.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2004. A Machine to Precision Punch Plastic Mulch. MS Thesis. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
Presentations
- Lawrence, M.J. 2016. Reclaiming Energy from Nonrecyclable Plastics. Bergren Forum, ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ University, ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, NY. October 6. ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, NY.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2014. A Method to Document and Compare Program Outcome Achievement. Assessment Network of New York. April 28-30. Rochester, NY.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2014. Reclaiming Energy from Non-Recyclable Agricultural Plastics. Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference. February 10-12. Louisville, KY.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2012. Building an Electric Car in the Classroom - An Experiment in Project-Based Learning. AASHE International Conference. October 17. Pittsburgh, PA
- Lawrence, M.J. 2009. A Method to Predict Perimeter Melt Depth of Non-Recyclable Plastic Forced Through a Heated Die. 35th National Agricultural Plastics Congress. July 13-15. State College, PA
- Lawrence, M.J. 2007. Plastofuel - Fuel Pellets Made from Non-Recyclable Plastics. Keynote speaker at Olean, NY chapter of ASME. December 6. Wellsville, NY.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2006. A New Look at Making Plastic-Derived Fuel - The Plastofuel 500. 33rd National Plastics Congress. November 2-5. San Antonio, TX.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2006. An Auto-Dibbling Machine for Plastic Mulch. 33rd National Plastics Congress. November 2-5. San Antonio, TX.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2005. Attaining Flexible Planting Configurations in Raised Plastic Beds. Presented at 2005 Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference, February 13-15, 2005, Louisville, KY.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2004. A Machine to Precision Punch Plastic Mulch. Presented at 2004 SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress, October 26-28, 2004, Rosemont, IL.
- Lawrence, M.J. 2004. A Machine to Precision Punch Plastic Mulch. Presented at 2004 Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference, June 27-30, 2004, University Park, PA.
Service
- Department Chair
- ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State Presidential Search Committee - Faculty Representative
- Curriculum Coordinator Mechanical Engineering Technology B.S.
- Faculty Athletic Representative
- Chair - Intercollegiate Athletic Board
- Chair of the Technology Challenge Competition
- Co-Chair of ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ Campus Promotion and Continuing Appointment Committee
- Co-Chair MET ABET Committee
- NCAA Division III National Nominating Committee
Honors and Awards
Awards
- SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Superior Paper Award ASABE
- ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State Innovation Award
- Best Paper Award – 35th National Agricultural Plastics Congress. State College, PA
- Harold V. and Velma B. Walton Doctoral Student Endowment Recipient
- First Place – Penn State Gamma Sigma Delta Research Expo
- Third Place – Penn State Graduate Exhibition
- Alpha Epsilon, The Honor Society of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering
Certifications
- Certified Hydraulic Specialist, International Fluid Power Society
- Penn State College Teaching Certificate
- Certified Pennsylvania Engineer-In-Training