Dr. Kiefer is an expert in mechatronics, the integration of mechanical devices and electronics. He is the developer of TSU’s very popular mechatronics course, which is offered each spring. For the past few years Dr. Kiefer has been involved in the design of firefighting robots, a student competition in which students design and build autonomous robots capable of locating and extinguishing fires in buildings. He is also is the student section advisor for TSU’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, an international group that helps build houses for the needy. Dr. Kiefer teaches courses primarily in machine design and computer-aided engineering design.

Internal Accomplishments (service)|

• Served as mentor for prospective students
• Met with prospective students on visits
• Responsible for departmental Web page
• Habitat for Humanity advisor
• Pi Tau Sigma advisor
• Member of Honors Program Advisory Board
• Member of Mechanical Engineering Curriculum Review Committee

External Accomplishments/Activities

• Industry consulting for a concept proof for laser alignment system for SOS
• Student Industry Projects:
• Advised a student group that designed and build a quality control machine for Transguard
• Currently have two student groups working with SOS on machine design
• Currently have a student group working on a riveting project with Eaton
• Attended the Mechatronics Forum International Conference, June 2006
• Attended the International Conference on Engineering Education, July 2006
• Publications:
• S. Kiefer; “Multi-Disciplinary Course in Mechatronics”, International Conference on Engineering Education, July 2006, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• S. Kiefer, “Building a Research Program with Undergraduate Students”, 10th Biennial Mechatronics Forum International Conference, June 2006, Malvern, PA