• Education
• Academic Experience
• Publications
• Presentations
• Research Grants
• Patents
• Work Experience
• Research Projects Directed
• Honors
• Activities
• Consulting

Ph.D College of Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 1992
Dissertation: Design for Assembly

M.Des. Master of Design, School of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning, University of Cincinnati, 1988

A.B. General, Major: English, Calvin College, 1969

Top of Page

University of Central Florida

1998 - Present, Associate Professor, Industrial Engineering & Management Systems
Teaching, research and service as detailed below

1995- Present, Laboratory Director, Engine Research Laboratory
Designed the facility, directed equipment installation, manage operating budget and direct laboratory personnel

1993 - 1997, Assistant Professor, Industrial Engineering & Management Systems
Teaching, research and service as detailed below

1993 - 1994, Program Director, Transportation Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center
Prepared research grant proposals, directed research initiatives, prepared reports and managed the fiscal operation of the program

University of Cincinnati

1988 - 1993, Assistant Director, Center for Robotics Research
Prepared research grant proposals, directed research and prepared reports

1989 - 1993, Research Associate, Material Handling Research Center, Institute for Advanced Manufacturing Science
Prepared research grant proposals, directed research and prepared reports

1988 - 1990, Visiting Instructor, Department of Mechanical, Industrial, & Nuclear Eng.
Teaching in Statistics and Manufacturing

1990 -1992, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Design, Art, Architecture & Planning
Teaching in manufacturing, design, and technology

Interactive Learning Centers, Atlanta
1986 - 1988, Vice President Technical Studies
Developed curriculum, managed faculty, managed budget, and developed laboratories

Southern Ohio College, Cincinnati
1983 - 1986 Department Chairman, Robotics
Developed curriculum, managed $2.3 million budget, directed 16 faculty, promoted the program and recruited students, and directed regional and national accreditation

Courses Taught

University of Central Florida
Graduate Courses
Vehicle Dynamics (Sp 01, Su 03)
Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Sp 03, Fall 02, Sp 00, Sp 99, Sp 98, Sp 97, Sp 96)
Precision Engineering (Fall 02)
Vehicle Dynamics (Sp 01, SU 03)
Concurrent Engineering (Sp 00,Sp 99, Sp 98, Sp 97, Sp 96)
Robotics and Automated Systems (Fall 96, Su 95)
Computer Numerical Control (Su 94)
Internal Combustion Engine Analysis and Optimization (Fall 99,Fall 98, Su 96, Su 97, Fall 97)
Metrology ( Fall 98, Fall 97)
Advanced and Nontraditional Manufacturing (Sp 00)
Experimental Methods for IC Engines (Su 99, 00, 01,02,03)
Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems (Su 99)

Undergraduate Courses
Manufacturing Processes (Fall 99, Fall 98, Fall 96, Sp 96, Fall 95, Fall 94)
Computer-Aided-Manufacturing ( Su 98, Su 95)
Concurrent Engineering (Sp 97, Sp 96)
Statistics (Sp 98)
Engr. Administration (Su 99)

University of Cincinnati
Undergraduate Courses
Manufacturing Processes
Technical Physics
Statistics I
Statistics II

Southern Ohio College
DC Electricity
AC Electricity
Transistor Theory and Circuit Design
Digital Logic
Microprocessor Interfacing
Robotics
Programmable Controllers

Top of Page

Journal Refereed Publications

Dvorak, T., Malone, L., Hoekstra, R. Development of a New Modeling Approach for Randomly Valued Independent Variables (Journal of) Computational Statistics & Data Analysis (In review - submitted 11/2002)

Hoekstra, R., Van Blarigan, P., Mulligan, N. (May 1996) Nox Emissions and Efficiency of Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blended Fuels, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE #961103) (Accepted for SAE Transactions)

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N., Chew, L. (May 1995) Experimental Study of a Clean Burning Fuel International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Hoekstra, R., Shell, R., Hall, E. A Comparative Study of Axiomatic and Analytical Methods of Design for Assembly. SME Transactions on Robotics Research, 1993

Archived Refereed Publications

Dvorak, T., Malone, L., Hoekstra, R. (2003) Statistical Process Control and design of Experiment Process Improvement Methods for the Powertrain Laboratory (SAE 2003-01-3208)

Dvorak, T., Rohrer, R., Lamb, P., Hoekstra, R., Meyer, R. (2003) Non-Constant Variance-Emission Modeling Methods for Offline Optimization and Calibaration of Engine Management Systems (SAE 2002-32-0010) (Society of Automotive Engines of Japan 20034310)

Dvorak, T., Hoekstra, R., Pet-Armacost ,J. (December 2003) Improving Exhaust Header Performance with Multiple Response Surface Methods , Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE#2003-01-1389)

Newman, C., Hoekstra, R. (December 2000) Optimization of the Air-Fuel Distribution In a NACAR Winston Cup Restrictor Plate Engine, Society Of Automotive Engineers SAE

Towers, J., Hoekstra, R. (December 1998) Engine Knock, A Renewed Concern in Motorsports - A Literature Review, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE #983026)

Dvorak, T., Hoekstra, R. (December 1996) Optimizing Internal Combustion Engine Performance using Response Surface Methodologies, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE #962525)

Collier, K., Hoekstra, R., Mulligan, N., Jones, C., Hahn, D. (February 1996) Untreated Exhaust Emissions of a Hydrogen-Enriched CNG Production Engine Conversions, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE #960858)

Chew, L., Hoekstra, R., Nayfeh, J., Navedo, J. (December, 1994) Chaos Analysis of In-Cylinder Pressure Measurements, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE #942486)

Books and Book Chapters

Hoekstra, R. (1986) Robotics and Automated Systems Cincinnati, OH: South-Western

Nnaji, B., Hoekstra, R. (Eds.).(1992) Transactions of Robotics International/SME Dearborn, MI: Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Hoekstra, R. (1986) Robotics technician training in two-year colleges. In T.M. Husband (Ed.), Education and Training in Robotics (pp. 139 - 144) .IFS Publications Ltd, UK

Refereed Proceedings

Dvorak, T., Rohrer, R., Malone, M., Hoekstra, R. Deploying Quality Methods in the Powertrain Laboratory, ASQ First Annual Quality Paper Symposium, Livonia Michigan, February, 2003

Hoekstra, R. Cooper, D. Collier, K. Mulligan, N. Keely, D., Vehicle Emissions of a Hydrogen-Enriched Compressed Natural Gas Air & Waste Management Association, 88th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, June 18-23, 1995

Hoekstra, R., Shell, R., Hall, E. A Comparative Study of Axiomatic and Analytical Methods of Design for Assembly. 5th World Conference on Robotics Research, Cambridge. September 1994

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. Demonstration of Hydrogen Mixed Gas Vehicles. 10th World Hydrogen Conference, Cocoa Beach, June 1994

Non-Refereed Proceedings

Mullens, M., Hoekstra, R., Armacost, R., Using a Service Learning Strategy to Enhance a Course in Concurrent Engineering, Proceedings of the 2000 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, St. Louis, MO, June 2000. Accepted for publication

Arif, M., Mullens, M., Armacost, R., Hoekstra, R., Sequencing Partitioned Functional Requirements in New Product Design, Industrial Engineering Research '99 Conference Proceedings, Phoenix, May, 1999.

Collier, R., Mulligan, N., Hoekstra, R. Florida Solar Energy Center's Hy-Test Vehicle Program. 6th Annual U.S. Hydrogen Meeting, Alexandria. March 1995

Hoekstra, R. Mulligan, N. Demonstration of Hydrogen Methane Gas Vehicle Engineering Society of Detroit, Environmental Vehicles Conference & Exposition, January 23 - 25, 1995

Hoekstra, R. Collier, K. Mulligan, N. Chew, L., Experimental Study of a Clean Burning Vehicle Fuel 1994 Annual International Conference on Industry, Engineering, and Management Systems, Proceedings of the First International IEMS Confernece, March 14 - 16, 1994

Hoekstra, R., Shell, R., Hall, E., Slutzky, G. Evaluation and Enhancement of Fragile and Perishable Product Handling, Transport and Storage. Material Handling Research Center, January 1994

Collier, K., Hoekstra, R., Mulligan, N. Demonstration of Hydrogen Mixed Gas Vehicles, Brevard Technical Journal, 1994

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, Demonstration of Hydrogen Mixed Gas Vehicles, 10th World Hydrogen Conference, Cocoa Beach, June 1994

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. System Development for Alternative Fuel to Reduce Automotive Emissions. IEMS '94, Cocoa Beach, March 1994

Hoekstra, R., Design for Assembly; An Automated and Analytical Method, SME, 1989

Technical Reports

Hoekstra, R., Cooper, D. "Evaluation of Effects on Fuel type in City Busses" LYNX, December 2000

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. "Demonstration of Hydrogen Mixed Gas Vehicle" Florida Energy Office/Department of Energy Report, January 1, 1994

Hoekstra, R. Competitive Analysis of the Stock Ford 302, the GT40 and the Edelbrock High Performance Package, Holley Replacement Parts Division Report, 1994

Hoekstra, R. Competitive Analysis of Torco Oil, Pennzoil, Mobil One and Various Oil Additives, Torco Oil Co. 1994

Top of Page

Conference Presentations

Dvorak, T., Hoekstra, R. Optimizing Internal Combustion Engine Performance using Response Surface Methodologies, 1996 Motorsports Engineering Conference, Society of Automotive Engineers, Dec. 1996

Hoekstra, R., Cooper, D., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. Keely, D., Vehicle Emissions of a Hydrogen-Enriched Compressed Natural Gas Air & Waste Management Association, 88th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, June 18-23, 1995

Collier, R., Mulligan, N., Hoekstra, R. Florida Solar Energy Center's Hy-Test Vehicle Program. 6th Annual U.S. Hydrogen Meeting, Alexandria. March 1995

Hoekstra R., Collier K., Demonstration of Hydrogen Gas Vehicles. Environmental Vehicles 95 Conference of the Engineering Society of Detroit, January 1995

Hoekstra, R., Shell, R., Hall, E. A Comparative Study of Axiomatic and Analytical Methods of Design for Assembly. 5th World Conference on Robotics Research, Cambridge. September 1994

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. Demonstration of Hydrogen Mixed Gas Vehicles. 10th World Hydrogen Conference, Cocoa Beach, June 1994

Hoekstra, R., Collier, K., Mulligan, N. System Development for Alternative Fuel to Reduce Automotive Emissions. IEMS '94, Cocoa Beach, March 1994

Hoekstra, R., Alternative Fuels Research Industrial Engineering Conference, Cocoa Beach, March 1994

Invited Lectures and Seminars

"Extracting Information from Dyno Data" 2001 Circle Track Exposition, Daytona Beach, Feb. 2001

"Applications of RSM to Engine Development" Advanced Engine Research Conference, Colorado Springs, 1997

"Recent Developments In Alternative Fuels", IEMS Research Colloquium, 1996

"Alternative Automotive Fuel", SAE International, North Florida Section, Orlando, October 1995

"Technical Writing for Dissertations and Theses", Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar, 1995

"Design for Assembly", Asia-Pacific Research Centre, Singapore, 1992 & 1993

"Axiomatic Design for Assembly", Eastec Conference, 1990

"Applications of Axiomatic Design", Westec Conference, 1990

"Axiomatic Product Design", International Manufacturing Conference, 1990

"Axiomatic and Analytical Design Techniques", International Machine Tool Conference, 1990

"Robotics Education in Technical Schools", Illinois Association of Industrial Arts Teachers, 1986

Top of Page

Grants Awarded

Co-PI: "Developing a Model for Infill," NSF and MIT Jan. 2003 – Dec. 2004, $150,000

PI: "Dodge Motorsports Preliminary Research," Damieler Chyrsler, Jan – Dec, 2003, $50,000

PI: "High Torque Density Electric Traction Motor," SBIR - Phase II Subcontract, J. Vidja Primary contractor, TACOM, 1997 - 1998 $35,000

PI: "An Integrated Hydrogen Energy System for “Niche” Markets in Florida," 5/1/97 - 2/1/98, United States Department of Energy, $10,000

PI: "Demonstration of Alternative Fuels, U.S. Department of Energy, 1997, $32,000

PI: "A Demonstration of Hydrogen-Methane Mixed Gas Vehicles," Florida Energy Office, 9/1/94 - 6/1/96, $210,000

PI: "High Performance IC Engine Analysis Using Non-linear Dynamics," EIES/UCF, 9/1/93 - 9/1/94, $10,000.

Co-PI: "Crown Victoria High Hydrogen Ratio Evaluation," NASA Kennedy Space Center, 8/1/94 - 8/1/95, $40,000

PI: "Comparative Evaluation of Driveability of Vehicle Fuels on Gasoline and HY-TEST," EG&G, 8/1/94 - 12/31/95 $55,000

PI: "Evaluation of Hydrogen-Methane Blends," UCF, Department of Sponsored Research, 9/1/94 - 6/1/95 $6,300

Support for Engine Research Laboratory

PI: "Smoke Yunick Foundation", 2003, $3,000

PI: "Sprintron", Diamond Racing, 2002, $65,000 (In kind)

PI: "Motoring Dynamometer (Smoketron)", Smokey Yunick, 2001, $500,000 (In Kind)

PI: "Advanced Engine Modeling", Harley Davidson, 2000, $25,000

PI: "Engine Modeling Using RSM", Harley Davidson, 1999, $12,500

PI: "Evaluation of Supersonic Pulses in High Performance Engines", Penske Racing South, 1998, $25,000

PI: "Evaluation of In-cylinder Pressures in High Performance Engines", Penske Racing South, 1997, $10,000

PI: "Investigation of Cam and Cylinder Head Designs", Harley Davidson, 1997, $17,000

PI: "In-cylinder Pressure Measurements for Ignition Timing Optimization", Penske Racing, 1997, $10,000

Co-PI: "A Study of Emissions from Hydrogen Methane Blends", Ford Motor CO. 1994, $1,000,000. (In kind)

PI: "High Performance Engine Research" Oliver Racing Co., 1994, $10,000

PI: "Comparative Study of High Performance Engines", Holley Inc., 1994, $5,000

Top of Page

Wheelchair Table with Ergonomic Aid, Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens. May 25, 2004 Patent No. 6,739,653 B1

Garden Table Provisional Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens. Provisional Patent Applied for 4/28/00

Hydrogen Enriched Natural Gas as a Clean Motor Fuel, Robert K. Collier, Robert L. Hoekstra, Neal Mulligan, Douglas Hahn, Patent Issued August 26, 1997. US Patent # 5,660,602

Variable Air Fuel Ratio Control for Improved Engine, Division I, Robert K. Collier, Robert L. Hoekstra, Neal Mulligan, Douglas Hahn, Patent Issued September 16, 1997. US Patent # 5,606,923

Variable Air Fuel Ratio Control for Improved Engine, Division II. Robert K. Collier, Robert L. Hoekstra, Neal Mulligan, Douglas Hahn, Notification of Patent Allowance, 1997. US

Hydrogen Enriched Natural Gas for Reduced Vehicle Emissions, Robert K. Collier, Robert L. Hoekstra, Neal Mulligan, Douglas Hahn, Patent Pending, Europe, 1995

Top of Page

Automation Controls Inc., Cincinnati, OH
1982 - 1992, President
Consulted on automation of material handling applications

Industrial Training Inc., Grand Rapids, MI
1982 - 1983, Vice President
Product Development Market studies, new product concept evaluation, budgeting, and personnel

Industrial Media Inc., Grand Rapids, MI
1971 - 1982, President
Contract negotiations and management, Consulting revenues in excess of 2 million dollars per year, personnel, finance, product development, United States Security and Exchange Commission registration for a public stock offering.

Top of Page

Dissertations, Theses and Research Reports Supervised

Dollhopf, M. NASCAR Restrictor Plate Exhaust Manifold Design Strategies, Research Report April 2004

Gau, S. Optimization of a High Speed Valve Train Using Response Surface Methodology, Research Report March 2004

Verte, L. Designing a High-Speed, Lightweight Racing Connecting Rod for a NASCAR Winston Cup Engine Using FEA, Research Report, Dec 2003

Thimatariga, R. Effects of Fuel temperature on Racing Engine Performance, Nov. 2002

Todd Dvorak, Robust Parameter Design and Multiple Objective Search Techniques for Robust Surface Methods, Ph.D. Dissertation, Dec. 2000

Brian Brace, An Optimized Design and Manufacturing Analysis of a High Performance Automotive Rocker Arm, Master’s Thesis defense July, 1997, Graduation Dec. 1997

Jorge Calderon, An Evaluation of a Communication Model, Access Control, Topology and Protocol for the Development of an Asynchronous Host Communication Interface, Master’s Thesis, April, 1995

Committee Member

Mohammed Arif, The Impact of the Objective Function on Product Design Problem Decomposition When Using Network Partitioning, Master’s Thesis, December, 1998

Purnima Panathula, A Risk Analysis of a Customer-Supplier Partnership in a “Ship - On - Demand” JIT System, Master’s Thesis, April, 1997

Ravindran Sundaram, Investment Casting Using Stereolithography: Case of Complex Objects, Master’s Thesis, July, 1996

Thomas Gawlik, A Methodology for Facilitating Axiomatic Design Using Network Partitioning, Ph.D. Dissertation, April, 1996

Kumaraguruparan Singarajan, Markovian Approach to Cost Benefit Analysis in the Allocation of Resources for Process Improvement in a TQM Environment, Master’s Thesis, August 1994

Raghavender Nippani, A Two Phase Methodology for Evaluating Conceptual Designs, Master’s Thesis, August, 1994

Top of Page

Sigma XI

Certificate of Appreciation, SME, William E. Weisel Scholarship Review Committee, 1997

Certificate of Appreciation Conference Vice Chair World Conference on Robotics Research ,1994

Robotics International/SME Chairman’s Award, 1991

Outstanding Achievement in Public Service Films,
Film: “Pigopolis”; Client: Consumers Power
Emmy, 1979

Industrial Training Film Awards for outstanding achievement in three dimensional animation
Film: "Geometric Tolerancing"; Client: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Moscow Film Festival, 1980
Paris International, 1980
Cine Golden Eagle, US Congressional Selected for International representation, 1979
New York International Film Festival, 1979
Chicago International Film Festival, 1979

Industrial Training Film for Outstanding achievement in Safety Films
Film: “The Great Betrayal” (Forklift Operator training); Client: Clark Equipment Co.
Cine Golden Eagle, US Congressional Selected for International representation, 1976
New York International Film Festival, 1976
San Francisco International Film Festival, 1976

Top of Page

Committees and Affiliations

Committees at UCF

R&D Shop Committee Chair, 2000 – Present

IE Personnel Committee, 2001 - 2003

IE Faculty Search Committee, 1999

External Relations, College Engineering, 1995 - Present

Manufacturing Program Development, 1995 - Present

Industrial Engineering Research Committee, 1995 - Present

PEW Foundation for Higher Education, 1997

External Committees

Journal of Design and Manufacturing, Referee, 1994-1996

Universita' Degli Studi Di Cassino, Dipartment of Di Ingegneria Industriale, HYPOTESYS Conference, Referee, 1995

Board of Directors, Robotics International of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 1989 - 1991

William Weisel Scholarship Committee, 1986 - Present

Robotics International, Vice Chairman, Fourth World Conference on Robotics Research, 1991

Motion Control Magazine, Editorial Advisory Board, 1989- 1991

Robotics International, Robots 14 Conference, Chairman of the Refereed Paper Review Board, 1990

Control Expo, Conference Chairman, 1990

Motion Control-West, Conference Chairman, 1990

Robotics International Conference Planning Committee, 1984 - 1990

Robotics International Education and Training Division, Chairman, 1990

Robotics International Education and Training Division, Vice Chairman, 1987 - 1989

Robotics International Education and Training Division, Member, 1985 -1987

Robotics International Conference Academic Session, Chairman, 1984 -1989

Eastern Quality Conference, Chairman, 1989

Robotics International Robotics Round Table Chairman, 1987 - 1988

Robotics International Paper review committee, 1985 - 1990

International Robotics Educators Conference, Chairman, 1984-1986

Robotics International Education and Training Division, Long Range Planning Committee, 1984 - 1986

14th International Symposium on Industrial Robots, Education Forum Co-chairman, 1984

Society Membership

Society of Automotive Engineers, Senior Member

Top of Page

Harley Davidson, Emissions Modeling Using RSM, 1999

ORCA/Johnson Controls/Delaware North/Kennedy Space Center, Alternative Fuel Recommendations for the Visitor Center Transit System, 1997

Orlando Sentinel, Investigation of the Rodney Orr fatal racing accident in a Dayton 500 practice session, 1994. with Dr. Desai, Mechanical Engineering.

Torco Oil Company , Analysis of Synthetic Lubricants", December 1993 - March 1994.

Proctor and Gamble; Order picking systems analysis; 1993

Chiquita Brands, Expert witness, Statistical analysis of fruit damage in ocean transport; 1993

Eagle Products, Manufacturing and management system design; 1990 - present

Champion, Welding and fabrication system design; 1983

Cincinnati Milicron, Robot installation and maintenance procedures; 1980-1983

Consumers Power, Management systems for rapid disaster response; 1979

Chrysler Corp, Blow hole analysis of casting and heat treatment line; 1978

American Motors, Preventive maintenance program; 1977

General Motors, Preventive maintenance system design; 1979

Clark Equipment Company, Fork lift safety; 1976

Hayworth Manufacturing, Manufacturing systems design; 1976-1980

Amway Corp. Warehouse order picking analysis; 1979-1980

Caterpillar Tractor Co. Press forging line efficiency analysis; 1979

Top of Page