University welcomes new mechanical engineering department head

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James Leylek

The College of Engineering has selected James Leylek to head the department of mechanical engineering. Before coming to Arkansas, Leylek was a professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson University and the executive director of the Clemson University Computational Center for Mobility Systems.

Leylek's research focuses on computational aerodynamics and heat transfer. He develops mathematical models that can predict how changes in engine design will affect air flow and temperatures inside the engine. Developing and testing these designs virtually before they are built, he explained, saves time, money and energy.

As a former research engineer for GE Aircraft Engines, Leylek has seen first-hand how this process helps the industry. "You can actually simulate aerodynamically what happens in compressors and turbines and nozzles, and do an unusual number of 'what if' simulations," he explained. "Instead of test-driven design and development, you do computational design and development, the ultimate goal being reduced design cycle time."

Leylek was drawn to the University of Arkansas because of the opportunities he saw here for teaching, research and economic development. "People are absolutely passionate about taking care of students, and are doing a fantastic job teaching," he said.

In addition, Leylek was impressed by the university's research infrastructure and the enthusiasm he saw for collaboration with industry to make an economic impact. He looks forward to working with the college and the mechanical engineering department to build on these strengths.

"Professor Leylek brings with him a wealth of experience in design and manufacturing of gas turbines and in academic administration, making him the right person to provide leadership to this very important department in the coming years," said Ashok Saxena, dean of the College of Engineering."Mechanical engineering has recently seen large increases in undergraduate enrollments, so the college is fortunate to have attracted Professor Leylek to oversee this growth and leverage it to build this department and take it to new heights."

Leylek has received Best Paper awards in multiple disciplines, and was awarded the Gas Turbine Award and a Significant Achievement Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1992 and the Arch T. Colwell Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1997. He received a doctorate in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.