Aerospace engineer to be guest speaker during Engineers Week

Contact: Mark Schwerin
Photo of Bob Carlton.

Carlton

KALAMAZOO—An aerospace engineer with a long track record at one of the nation's foremost laboratories will be the keynote speaker during 2014 Engineers Week festivities this month at Western Michigan University.

Bob Carlton has worked in the areas of aerospace manufacturing and mechanical design for more than 30 years, including 28 years working on numerous space-based guidance systems and aircraft-based stabilized gimbal systems at Sandia National Laboratories. He will speak at the Engineers Week Dinner Tuesday, Feb. 18, at WMU's Fetzer Center. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and program at 7:30 p.m., during which Carlton will describe "Adventures in Light Jet Aircraft Development."

Bob Carlton

Carlton was lead mechanical designer on several space and aircraft systems, including the General Atomics Lynx radar system. He retired from Sandia in 2010 and is now co-owner of Desert Aerospace, LLC in New Mexico, doing airshow flying, aerospace mechanical design and development of small jets.

Engineers Week events and registration

This year marks the 35th Engineers Week celebration organized by engineering societies to increase public awareness and appreciation of engineers and their work. Fifteen Southwest Michigan engineering societies are joining with WMU in the annual Engineers Week observance.

Reservations for dinner are $25 for professionals and $12 for students. Reservations and payments must be made by Friday, Feb. 14.

Prior to dinner, area high school students interested in engineering or related technologies and their teachers can attend a program at WMU's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Parkview Campus that focuses on several specific applications of engineering. Those interested in attending pre-program activities and the dinner presentation should contact Scot Conant at scot.conant@wmich.edu or (269) 276-3272.

For more information or for reservation forms and online payments, visit wmich.edu/engineer/eweek/index.html or contact Jorge Rodriguez in the WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at jorge.rodriguez@wmich.edu or (269) 276-3374.