Mark Atherton

Summary

Mark is now an Honorary and Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, previously being full Professor of Mechanical Engineering Design. He was a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers until 2025. He has developed industrial products and manufacturing systems, including dental drill noise reduction (Dental drill noise reduction device), robotic servicing of trains (Lab-based prototype for automated train fluid servicing) and design tools for invention (On-line tool to intelligently interpret design information contained in patents). Mark taught engineering design and design optimisation.

Background

• BSc(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University, Birmingham.
• MSc/DIC in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing Automation from Imperial College, London.
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering Design from City University, London.
• Industrial experience: apprenticeship with Rubery Owen, followed by engineering positions with Driver Southall (GEC), Otis Elevator, and Redland Engineering.
• Academic posts at London South Bank University and Brunel University London reaching Full Professor in Mechanical Engineering, plus visiting professor at Tokyo University of Science and University of Modena.
• until 2025 - Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Responsibility

Responsibilities before Mark ceased to be a full-time professor in the department included:

• Chair, Industrial Advisory Panel, Dept of Mechanical and Aersopace Engineering, 2019-2021.
• Theme Leader - Design for Sustainable Manufacture, Institute of Materials and Manufacturing, 2018-2020.
• Deputy Head of Mechanical Engineering department, 2007-2009.
• Director of University Research Centre for Engineering Dynamics, 2010-2012.
• Course Director of BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering plus derivatives, MACE, 2007-2014.
• Chair, Engineering Applications Panel, MACE, 2005-2014.
• Chair, Exam Boards for MA courses, Brunel Design, 2005-2009.
• CEDPS Academic Lead for proposed new DEC building, 2016-2017.
• Mech Eng Academic Development Group, curriculum development, MACE, 2009-2014.
• Champion of Made in Brunel for Mechanical Engineering, MACE, 2007-2015.
• Level 3 Tutor, MACE, 2014-2015.
• School of Engineering and Design Research Committee, BUL, 2012-2014.
• Open Days and Applicant Days speaker, Mechanical Engineering, 2005-2015.
• University Space Management Framework Working Group, BUL, 2010