Backed by four decades of unparalleled experience, Ronald E. Smelser, Ph.D., PE, has risen to prominence as a preeminent expert in the field of mechanical engineering. With a true love for learning, Dr. Smelser’s interest in the field of mechanical engineering piqued at a young age. He received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1971 and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1972. On the heels of acquiring a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1978, Dr. Smelser joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) as an assistant professor. After his departure from Pitt in 1981, he went on to work for the United States Steel Corporation, the Alcoa Corporation, and Concurrent Technologies Corporation. Dr. Smelser taught at the University of Idaho for nearly a decade before joining UNC Charlotte as an associate dean. Today, he serves the university as a professor and senior associate dean in The William States Lee College of Engineering, a title he has held since 2012.

Extremely passionate about his profession, Dr. Smelser is noted for his being a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has shared his expertise through many articles in professional publications. Furthermore, Dr. Smelser co-authored “Introduction to Continuum Mechanics for Engineers.” Dedicated to his faith and the welfare of his community, he has retained several civic duties throughout the course of his career. He has served as an ordained deacon and is an ordained elder of the Bellefield Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Dr. Smelser has dedicated his time to the Billingsville Leadership Academy’s Reading Program.

A native of Celina, Ohio, Dr. Smelser is a registered professional engineer in the states of North Carolina, Idaho and Ohio. His research involves deformation processing and the structure property relations together with the failure of materials. In recognition of his hard work, dedication and significant contributions to his profession, he is featured in Marquis Who’s Who publications such as Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.

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