Jack Leifer, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor , Engineering Science
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I have been at Trinity University since the fall of 2005. Prior to my arrival at Trinity, I taught at two undergraduate-oriented engineering programs: the University of South Carolina Aiken, and the University of Kentucky/Extended Programs at Paducah. I also taught in the mathematics department at Austin Community College while pursuing my Ph.D.
Over the past five years, I have worked as an expert witness in the area of force reconstruction of low damage automobile collisions. It is rewarding work because it specifically applies to the material I teach in Dynamics and Mechanics of Materials, and my calculation and analysis approach can be understood by students who have taken those classes.
I have been a Licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 2002, and the state of Texas since 2006.
- Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Leifer, J., “A Supplemental Analysis of Selected Two-Vehicle Front-to-Rear Collisions from the NASS/CDS,” Paper No. 2013-01-0223; Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) 2013 World Congress and Exhibition, Detroit, MI, April 2013.
- Leifer, J., and Weisenburger, S.J., “Materials and Techniques for Reduction of Vibration Transmission in String Trimmers.” Paper IMECE2012-88064, Proceedings of the ASME 2012 International Mechanical Engineering Conference and Exposition, Houston, TX, Nov. 9 – 15, 2012.
- Leifer, J., Weems, B., Kienle, S.C., and Sims, A.M., “Three-Dimensional Acceleration Measurement using Videogrammetry Tracking Data,” DOI: 10.1007/s11340-010-9352-4, Experimental Mechanics; v 51, n2, 2011, pp.199-217.
My research areas involve applications of mechanics and non-contact measurement (using videogrammetry). Current projects include (1) three-dimensional acceleration measurement using videogrammetry; (2) passive vibration reduction of a string trimmer (weed whacker); and (3) force reconstruction of vehicle collisions based on damage photographs.
- Sophomore Design
- Mechanics of Materials
- Statics
- Dynamics
Since the 2007–08 school year, Trinity's sophomore engineering design class has partnered with Goodwill Industries of San Antonio for the purpose of developing assistive devices for certain disabled workers. Products developed include a cart that allows bulky but light-weight cartons to be wheeled up flights of stairs, a device that allows hearing-impaired workers operating loud lawn equipment to be contacted from a distance, and a hand-control for a foot-operated riding lawn mower. This last project won third prize in the NISH Student Scholar Competition in 2008. Students enjoy this class because they have the opportunity to quickly put their engineering knowledge to work, as well as the fact that their work is actually helping a number of Goodwill employees perform their jobs more effectively.
I have enjoyed singing (baritone) with the Trinity Choral Union. I also direct our informal student engineering a capella group "The Moody Blues." We perform a couple of pieces each fall at our Holiday Luncheon, and in the spring at our annual Awards Banquet.
- Arts, Letters, and Enterprise
- Engineering Science
- Associate Professor, Arts, Letters, and Enterprise
Fueling Opportunities
Thursday, March 06, 2025Explore the partnerships that drive research at Trinity
Breaking New Ground
Wednesday, February 26, 2025Christine Keith ’11 shares how Trinity laid the foundation for her engineering career
Professor's Summer Research Opens Doors
Thursday, June 13, 2024Engineering's Jack Leifer studies vehicle safety, boosts STEM accessibility
Trinity Recognizes Faculty and Staff for Significant Career Milestones
Monday, January 11, 2021Virtual event carries on a tradition of celebrating a decade or more of service
8 Faculty Reflect On The Spring 2020 Semester
Wednesday, July 22, 2020New teaching technologies combined with creative thinking will foster immersive learning experiences
Parts of a Whole
Thursday, May 14, 2020Sophomore engineering design course gets hands-on online