Utah Tech University

David Christensen

I grew up in Northern Utah where I enjoyed woodwork, tennis, and exploring the mountainous wilderness in my backyard. I first attended Dixie State University in 2004 to pursue architectural drafting. After taking some science and engineering courses, my interests turned to power engineering and my wife and I moved to attend the University of Utah in 2009. While pursuing my BS degree, I worked in the mechanical engineering undergraduate advising office where I learned the ins-and-outs of engineering curriculum and wrote advising software that the office still uses to this day. I also did software consulting work on the side. After earning my BS degree, I stayed at the U of U as a research assistant to pursue a MS and PhD. My research focused on ultrasonic power transfer where the goal was to power a micro medical sensor that could be non-surgically implanted in the body. My work was highly computational and I developed techniques to efficiently model acoustic power transfer. To enhance my knowledge, I also worked for Constantine Technologies designing and prototyping ultrasonic transducers to perform functions such as cataract surgery and materials testing. This job taught me a number of lessons including the importance of hands-on training for engineers. In 2017, I had the privilege of being involved in the creation of the engineering programs at DSU. I enjoy sharing my experience and hands-on curriculum with engineering students.


Education

PhD | Mechanical Engineering | University of Utah | 2017

MS | Mechanical Engineering | University of Utah | 2015

BS | Mechanical Engineering | University of Utah | 2012

APE | Pre-Engineering | Dixie State University | 2009

Certificate in Architectural Drafting | Dixie State University | 2005

Courses

MECH 1000/05 – Intro Design & Rapid Prototyping

MECH 1200/05 – Coding

MECH 2010 – Statics

MECH 2210/15 – Analog Circuits

MECH 2255 – Sensors & Actuators Lab

MECH 3200/05 – Systems & Controls

MECH 3250 – Machinery

MECH 3300/05 – Strength of Materials

MECH 4170 – Additive Manufacturing

MECH 4860R – Design Practicum