Paul C. Lynch, Ph.D.

Paul C. Lynch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering and MMM programs
[email protected]
814-898-6387
217 AMIC Building

Mailing Address:
AMIC BUILDING
5350 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
ERIE PA 16510

Biography

Dr. Paul C. Lynch joined the Penn State Behrend faculty as an assistant professor of Industrial Engineering in the School of Engineering in Fall 2015. He was promoted to associate professor of Industrial Engineering in 2021.

He earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and minor in Business/Liberal arts (2004) from Penn State University Park. He worked in industry as a regional production engineer for Universal Forest Products, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later, he earned his M.S. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) degrees in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University Park. Before coming to Penn State Behrend, Dr. Lynch was a lecturer and academic adviser for five years in the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering at Penn State University Park. 

Teaching Statement

Providing an educational opportunity is one of the most important opportunities we can provide for the people of our society. After gaining valuable industry experience, I decided to attend graduate school so that I could become a professor at a college or university, because I truly enjoy all aspects of teaching and advising students. My primary teaching focus is on the student; student learning and academic success motivate me to work hard and be a dedicated teacher. Having a positive impact on the life of a student is among the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences a person can wish for. Motivation, hard work, and enjoyment sparked by the students have allowed me to be a successful teacher. 

A teacher or adviser could be the person who makes the difference in the path a student chooses to follow throughout his or her life. In my classroom, I feel as though setting the classroom tone and gaining student respect from day 1 are the initial steps toward motivating students to work hard. As teachers, we must keep student motivation a high priority. As a well-known pedagogical researcher, W.J. McKeachie put it, “Knowing more about how students are motivated and what you can do to structure a class that positively affects student motivation can make a significant difference in student engagement and learning.”

By setting aside time for in-class discussions, I can get to know the students, gauging what they know, and what they are interested in. I can take the subject matter that I have a full understanding of and transform it into information that connects and is continuous with the past experiences and knowledge of the students. By transforming content knowledge via analogies, examples, and classroom demonstrations, I feel as though I can engage the students in the new material and foster intrinsic student motivation, promoting generativity, growth, and development through self learning. In addition, I feel as though it is very important for a teacher to keep the classroom democratic, maintaining open lines of communication, in which students feel like part of a learning team. In my classroom students are always encouraged to ask questions and approach the teacher with any questions or concerns they may have. By using student concerns and past experiences to make positive changes to teaching styles, teachers can increasingly gain student respect and become more effective teachers. I take SRTE evaluations and course feedback very seriously; I need to take constructive criticism on my current teaching style to continually improve to become the very best teacher that I can be.

Teachers should also recognize that different personalities and learning preferences exist within the classroom. Some students may prefer learning in which project work and talent showcasing is done individually; others may prefer group work, where cognition is distributed among a few students. By preparing lectures and classroom activities as I have dubbed “in-class activities” that utilize techniques such as problem-based learning, where students can work both individually and as members of teams, I feel as though I can adequately address student differences, laying the foundation to encourage participation and intentional learning by a large part, if not all of the students in the classroom. 

Teachers should recognize that teaching and learning are not conducted on a one-way street. As an instructor and adviser, I find that I am constantly learning and developing as my students learn and develop. I personally spend a large amount of time, energy, and effort on preparing lectures, assessments, and classroom activities, because that is what it takes to be a successful and effective teacher. A successful teacher should never stop learning; teachers should not only take time to get to know the people they teach and how they learn, but also stay up to date with the content and material they are teaching.

I also have research interests in engineering education, namely teaching and instruction of engineering students. I became interested in this area while completing the Penn State Graduate School Teaching Certification. I recently carried out a study looking at the learning styles or preferences of undergraduate students in engineering. Interestingly, the results showed that the majority of STEM students tended to favor active, sensing, visual, and sequential learning. However, in the classic STEM lecture, most students are not confronted with teaching methods that are favorable to their learning style of preference. This work concluded with the development of a new teaching methodology dubbed the “I-C-D” Method or the “Interact, Cultivate, and Deliver” Method for engineering instructors to use as an effective approach for delivering a satisfying and educative experience for students in their engineering courses.

My sincere passion is in a career where I can teach and advise undergraduate students. Along with this passion, the work I have done for the Penn State graduate school teaching certificate coupled with all my experience tutoring, mentoring, advising, and teaching undergraduate students has set a solid foundation for me to be a very successful and dedicated educator. I am confident that I can do a great job teaching any subject matter that I feel I have an in-depth understanding of. 

Courses Taught

  • EDSGN 100S: Introduction to Engineering Design
  • EMCH 211: Engineering Mechanics: Statics
  • IE 100S: Discover Industrial Engineering
  • IE 302: Engineering Economy
  • IE 311: Principles of Solidification Processing
  • IE 312: Product Design & Manufacturing Processes
  • IE 322: Probabilistic Models in Industrial Engineering
  • IE 402: Advanced Engineering Economy
  • IE 450/ 470: Manufacturing Systems Engineering (TA)
  • IE 480W: IE Capstone Design Project (Project Adviser)
  • IE 497: Industrial Engineering Project and Special Topics
  • QMM 581: Manufacturing Processes of Materials

Honors and Awards

  • Penn State Behrend College Council of Fellows Excellence in Outreach Award, (2021).
  • Association for Iron & Steel Technology Steel Professor Award, (2021).
  • Penn State Behrend's Best Award, (2021).
  • Penn State College of Engineering 40 under 40 Award, (2021).
  • Penn State Behrend School of Engineering Distinguished Award for Excellence in Research, (2020).
  • Penn State Behrend School of Engineering Distinguished Award for Excellence in Teaching, (2019).
  • Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows Excellence in Teaching Award, (2019).
  • Penn State Behrend William and Wendy Korb Early Career Professorship in IE, (2018).
  • Penn State Multi-Campus Research Materials Research Institute Collaboration Fellowship, (2018).
  • Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers Engineering Economy Teaching Award, (2018).
  • Penn State Behrend School of Engineering Distinguished Award for Excellence in Advising, (2018).
  • Penn State Behrend College Guy W. Wilson Award for Excellence in Academic Advising, (2018).
  • United States Air Force Research Lab Summer Faculty Fellowship Award, (2018).
  • Association for Iron & Steel Technology Kent D. Peaslee Junior Faculty Award, (2018).
  • ​United States Air Force Research Lab Summer Faculty Fellowship Award, (2017).
  • United States Air Force Research Lab Summer Faculty Fellowship Award, (2016).
  • ASEE New Engineering Educator Sponsorship Award, Engineering Economy Division, (2016).
  • Penn State IE Department Outstanding Faculty Award, (2015).
  • Penn State Engineering Alumni Society (P.S.E.A.S.) Outstanding Advising Award, (2014).
  • United States Air Force Research Lab Summer Faculty Fellowship Award, (2014).
  • Penn State IE Department Outstanding Faculty Award, (2013).
  • Penn State IE Department (P.S.I.M.E.S.) Award for Service to IE Alumni, (2013).
  • Penn State Advising Finalist for University Excellence in Advising Award, (2012).
  • Penn State Faculty Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to First Year Students, (2012).
  • Penn State Homecoming University Faculty Court, (2011).
  • Penn State IE Department Outstanding Faculty Award, (2011).
  • Institute of Industrial Engineers – John L. Imhoff Award, (2010).
  • AFS/FEF Student Technology Research Competition, 1st Place Overall Contest Winner, (2010).
  • Alpha Pi Mu National Award for Excellence, (2008).
  • Penn State IE Department Outstanding TA of the Year, (2006).
  • Graduated with Highest Distinction Honors (B.S. IE), (2004).
  • Penn State University Senior Evan Pugh Award, (2004).
  • Penn State IE Department Wilbur & Judy Meier Award, (2004).
  • Alpha Pi Mu National Award for Excellence, (2003).
  • Penn State IE Department Seville Outstanding Community Service Award, (2003).
  • Automobile Hall of Fame Awards, (2003 & 2004).
  • USAA All-American Scholar, (2003 & 2004).
  • USAA National Engineering Award, (2003).
  • Penn State Schuylkill Academic Honor in Mathematics, (2002).
  • Penn State Schuylkill Academic Honor in Engineering, (2002).
  • Penn State President’s Freshman Award, (2001).

Dr. Lynch’s research interests include: metal casting, materials, manufacturing processes, manufacturing systems, engineering economy, and engineering education.

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

Lang, C.D., Hasbrouck, C.R., Hankey, A.S., Allison, B.D., Lynch, P.C., Roth, J.T. (2020). “Electrically-Assisted Manufacturing for Reduction in Forging Forces of Bearing Steels,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 48C, 2020.

Hasbrouck, C.R., Hankey, A.S., Abrahams, R.A., Lynch, P.C. (2020). “Sub-Surface Microstructural Evolution and Chip Formation During Turning of AF 9628 Steel,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 48C, 2020.

Hasbrouck, C.R., Fisher, J.W., Villalpando, M.R., Lynch, P.C. (2020). “A Comparative Study of Dimensional Tolerancing Capabilities and Microstructure Formation between Binder Jet Additively Manufactured Sand Molds and Olivine Green Sand Molds for Metalcasting of A356.0,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 48C, 2020.

Lynch, P.C., Hasbrouck, C.R., Wilck, J.H., Kay, M., Manogharan, G. (2020). “Challenges and Opportunities to Integrate the Oldest and Newest Manufacturing Processes: Metal Casting and Additive Manufacturing,” Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2020.

Wilck, J.H., Kauffmann, P.J., Lynch, P.C. (2019). "What Level of Tourism Traffic Should be planned for in North Carolina's Major Tourism Areas," The Open Transportation Journal, Vol. 13, 213-226, 2019.

Wang, J., Sama, S.R., Lynch, P.C., Manogharan, G. (2019). “Design and Topology Optimization of 3D-Printed Wax Patterns for Rapid Investment Casting,” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 34, 2019.

Flanagan, S.P., Main, J., Lynch, P.C., Vanderwiel, C., Roth, J.T. (2019). “A Mechanical Evaluation of an Overaged Aluminum Metal-Matrix-Composite (2009 Al/SiC/15p MMC),” Procedia Manufacturing, Vol. 34, 2019.

Lynch, P.C., Grimm, T.J. (2019). “Reducing Microsegregation in Next-Generation High-Strength Low-Alloy Cast Steels,” International Journal of Metalcasting, 25, March 2019.

Sama, S.R., Badamo, T., Lynch, P.C., Manogharan G., (2018) “Novel Sprue Designs in Metal Casting via 3D Sand-Printing,” Additive Manufacturing, Vol. 25, January 2019.

Lynch, P.C. (2011). “The Development of Ultrahigh Yield Strength Cast Steels with Increased Impact Toughness,” International Journal of Metalcasting, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Winter 2011. *AFS/FEF Technology Contest 1st Place*

Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C., Grenko, T.M. (2009). “Cast Iron Solidification with Non-Contact Acoustic Stimulation,” International Journal of Metalcasting, Vol. 3, Issue 4, Fall 2009.

CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

Jackson, K.L., Esparragoza, I., Huff, J., Lynch, P.C., Nozaki, S., Ragonese, A.M., Ranalli, J., Study, N.E. (2021). “Developing an Interdisciplinary Pathway for Engineering Education Master’s Curriculum,” 51st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, Lincoln, NE, October 2021.

Hasbrouck, C.R., Lynch, P.C. (2021). “Best Practices for Attracting Young Talent to the Pennsylvania and U.S. Metalcasting Industry,” 128th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Virtual, July 2021.

Markle, R.M., Baker, E.J., Lashway, C.K., Pearsick, G.R., Lynch, P.C. (2020). "Bringing a Pattern Catalog System into the 21st Century," 74th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 7-10, 2020

Lopez, C.E., Ashour, O.M., Cunningham, J.D., Tucker, C., Lynch, P.C. (2020). “The CLICK Approach and Its Impact on Learning Introductory Probability Concepts in an Industrial Engineering Course,” 127th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Virtual, June 2020.

Lynch, P.C., Hasbrouck, C.R., David, D., Abrahams, R.A. (2019). "Process Control for Optimizing Properties of Next-Generation High Strength Low-Alloy Cast Steels," 73rd Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 11-14, 2019.

Badamo, T., Sama, S.R., Martinez, D., Lynch, P.C., Manogharan, G. (2019). "Can 3D Sand Printing Help Foundries in Reducing Casting Defects? A summary of Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities," 73rd Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 11-14, 2019.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., Gaughan, E.A. (2019). “Changing the Manufacturing Perception of Millennial and Generation Z Engineering Students,” 126th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, Florida, June 2019.

Wilck, J.H., Lynch, P.C. (2019). “Engineering Economics for MBA Students,” 126th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, Florida, June 2019.

Wilck, J.H., Lynch, P.C. (2018). “Diverse Teams Build Better Forecasts,” 125th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 2018.

Wilck, J.H., Lynch, P.C. (2018). “Engineering Economy From a High School Course in Economics and Personal Finance,” Proceedings of the 2018 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference, Orlando, Florida, May 2018.

Lynch, P.C., Sangelkar, S., Demeo, G., Morkos, B. (2017). “The I-C-D-M Methodology: Improving Undergraduate Engineering Student Motivation, Satisfaction, and Performance,” 47th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, Indianapolis, IN, October 2017.

Lynch, P.C., de Vries, C., Lewis, D. (2017). “Integrating an Effective Freshman Seminar Experience into a First Year Engineering Design Course,” 9th Annual First Year Engineering Experience Conference, Daytona Beach, FL, August 2017.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., VanBuskirk, A.E. (2017). “Improving Communication in Industrial Engineering Courses by Implementing a “Zero Email” Policy and Optimizing the Use of a Course Management System,” 124th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio, June 2017.

Ashour, O.M., Aqlan, F.U., Lynch, P.C. (2017). “A Hybrid Mastery-Conventional Assessment in Engineering Economy,” 124th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio, June 2017.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., Joshi, E.M. (2017). “Engineering an Effective Industrial Engineering Seminar Course,” Proceedings of the 2017 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 2017.

Lynch, P.C., Beniwal, C., Wilck, J.H. (2017). “Integration of Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing Technology into the Metal Casting Industry,” Proceedings of the 2017 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 2017.

Lynch, P.C., Rigby, T., Abrahams, RA. (2017). “Effect of Homogenization and Austenization Temperatures on Segregation Reduction of Advanced High-Strength Steels,” AISTech 2017: The Iron & Steel Technology Conference and Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee, May 2017.

Rigby, T., Lynch, P.C., Helbling, J., Abrahams, RA. (2017). “Characterization of the Formation and Growth of Carbides in Low Temperature Tempered (LTT) Advanced High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steels,” AISTech 2017: The Iron & Steel Technology Conference and Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee, May 2017.

Lynch, P.C., Aqlan, F.U. (2016). “Filling the Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing: Promoting Internships and Co-Op Experiences and Integrating Industrial Engineering Courses to Improve Student Design and Manufacturing Knowledge,” 46th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, Erie, PA, October 2016.

Lynch, P.C., Joshi, E.M. (2016). “Engaging Students in a First Year Industrial Engineering Seminar Course,” 8th Annual First Year Engineering Experience Conference, Columbus, OH, July 31-August 2, 2016.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.W., Ashour, O.M. (2016). “Engineering Economy: The Crossroads of Business, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship,” 123rd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2016.

Lynch, P.C., Bober, C.A., Wilck, J.W. (2016). “Modeling Student Satisfaction and Implementation of the I-C-D Method to Improve the Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Course Experience,” 123rd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2016.

Wilck, J.W., Kauffman, P.W., Lynch, P.C. (2016). “Predicting Success in a Quality Control Course: Does time since taking the prerequisite course matter?” 123rd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2016.

Lynch, P.C., Kimpel, J.F., Bursic, K.M. (2016). “Developing Essential Business and Engineering Skills Through Case Competitions,” 123rd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2016.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.W., Ashour, O.M. (2016). “Engineering Economy: Bridging the Gap Between Engineering, Business, and Entrepreneurship,” Proceedings of the 2016 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference, Anaheim, California, May 2016.

Ashour, O.M., Aqlan, F.U., Lynch, P.C. (2016). “Simulation for Triage,” Proceedings of the 2016 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference, Anaheim, California, May 2016.

Voigt, R.C., Lynch, P.C. (2015). “Hot Isostatic Pressing of Steel Casting- An Interpretive Review,” 69th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 9-12, 2015.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., Bober, C.A. (2015). “Educating and Training the Next Generation of Industrial Engineers to Work in Manufacturing,” 122nd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2015.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., Bober, C.A. (2015) “An Integrated Approach to Developing Business Expertise in Industrial Engineering Students,” 122nd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June 2015.

Kauffmann, P.J., Wilck, J.H., Lynch, P.C. (2015) "Comparison of Engineering Economics Learning Outcomes and Student Perception," 122nd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, 2015.

Lynch, P.C., Bober, C.A., Mines, J.L. (2014). "Designing Industrial Engineering Course Content and Delivery with an Understanding of the Learning Preferences and Factors Driving Satisfaction of Undergraduate Industrial Engineering Students," 121st ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, 2014.

Lynch, P.C., Wilck, J.H., Bober, C.A., Mines, J.L. (2014). "A New Look at Involving Undergraduate Students, Real Life Applications, and Active Learning Activities in the Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Course Delivery Process," 121st ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, 2014.

Wilck, J.H., Lynch, P.C., Kauffmann, P.J. (2014). "Engineering Economics as a General Education Course to Expand Quantitative and Financial Literacy," 121st ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, 2014.

Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C., Monroe, R., Murphy, K., and R.A. Abrahams (2013). Low Temperature Impact Toughness of High Strength Cast Steels," 67th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 11-14, 2013.

Okhuysen, V., Tosta, P., Potter, L., Peters, F., Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C. (2012). “Assessment of Measurement Systems for the Dimensional Inspection of Investment Castings,” 59th Annual ICI Technical Conference and Expo, October 7-12, 2012.

Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C., Saldana, C. (2012). “High Strength Steels Tempered at Low Temperatures,” 66th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 12-15, 2012.

Lynch, P.C., Abrahams, R.A., and Voigt, R.C. (2011). “Hot Isostatic Pressing and Homogenization of High Strength Steel Investment Castings,” 58th Annual ICI Technical Conference and Expo, October 9-12, 2011.

Lynch, P.C., Abrahams, R.A., and Voigt, R.C. (2011). “Recent Developments in High Strength Cast Steels,” 65th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 8-10, 2011.

Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C., Furness, J.C., and Paulsen, P.D. (2010). “The Effects of Non-Contact Acoustic Vibrations on the Solidification and Microstructure of Aluminum Casting Alloy A356,” AFS Transactions, Volume 118.

Abrahams, R.A., Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C. (2010). “Composition Development & Improved Processing of High Strength Low-Alloy IC Steels,” 57th Annual ICI Technical Conference and Expo, October 10-13, 2010.

Lynch, P.C., Abrahams, R.A., Paret, K.E., and Voigt, R.C. (2010). “Modeling of Segregation Reduction in Steel Castings During Hot Isostatic Processing (HIP) and Homogenization,” 64th Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 9-11, 2010.

Abrahams, R.A., Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C. (2009). “Processing and Composition of High Strength Cast Steels,” 63rd Steel Founders Society of America Technical & Operating Conference, December 9-12, 2009.

Lynch, P.C., Voigt, R.C., Furness, J.C., and Paulsen, P.D. (2007). “Ultrasonic-Assisted Solidification and Feeding of Aluminum Alloy A356,” Aluminum Cast House Technology 10th Australasian Conference & Exhibition, August 6-9, 2007.

Ph D, Industrial Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

MS, Industrial Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

BS, Industrial Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University