David Cassel, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

B.S.M.E., Louisiana Tech University

M.S.M.E., Louisiana Tech University

Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology

Office: PEC 218

Office phone: 405.425.5402

Email: David Cassel

Dr. Cassel is registered as a Professional Engineer in the state of Oklahoma.  He is interested in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and thermal analysis. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).  He is a PADI certified rescue diver, and volunteers at many organizations.  Dr. Cassel works with Let’s Start Talking (as a short-term missions team trainer), and Bible Study Fellowship (as discussion leader).  He is an ASME program evaluator for ABET, and is on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam development committee for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).  Dr. Cassel is also the coach for an EASI girls’ softball team.  He attends Memorial Road Church of Christ, and is a Day in the City volunteer.

Jim Cutbirth, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

B.S.A.E., University of Texas

M.S., University of Texas

Ph.D., Oklahoma State University

Office: PEC 212

Office phone: 405.425.5410

Email: Jim Cutbirth

Jim Elkins, M.S.M.E

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

B.S.M.E., University of Nebraska

M.S.M.E., University of Nebraska

Office: PEC 210

Office phone: 405.425.5412

Email: Jim Elkins

Professor  Elkins is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Oklahoma.  He is interested in quality, and engineering design.  Professor  Elkins is in the American Society of Quality, the American Society of Engineering Educators, and the American Society of Materials.  Professor Elkins was in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineering Corp. for twenty years, retiring with the rank of LCDR.   He works at OC because he believes in Christian Education.  He enjoys gardening, Bonsai trees, hunting, fishing, and his grandchildren.  His wife is Merry Lynn, and he attends Wilshire Church of Christ.

Byron Newberry, Ph.D.

Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

B.S.M.E., Oklahoma Christian University

M.S.M.E., University of Michigan

Ph.D., University of Michigan

Office: PEC 223

Office phone: 405.425.5428

Email: Byron Newberry

Byron Newberry is the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  His main academic interests are structural analysis, mechanical design, experimental stress analysis, and dynamics of structures.  He belongs to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Society of Engineering Educators.  He says, “I am an OC grad (1991) and I personally know the value of an OC Engineering Education.  I want to help others experience that same success.”  Dr. Newberry has a passion for model rocketry.  He is married to Tamera and has two children, Isaac and Olivia. He attends Memorial Road Church of Christ where he teaches both adults and children.  He is also a member of the HIM worker committee, and Media Ministry Lead.

Bill Ryan, Ph.D.

Professor of Engineering Sciences

B.A., California State University

M.A., Sam Houston State College

Ph.D., University of Texas

Office: PEC 219

Office phone: 405.425.5441

Email: Bill Ryan

Dr. Ryan says, “I enjoy watching students come to life within the Christian environment.”  He is in the Acoustical Society, and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers.  He is the sponsor for Society for Automotive Engineers.  Dr. Ryan is interested in noise and vibration analysis, church building acoustics, and energy analysis.  He is the Co-Chair for Francis Tuttle Pre-Engineering.  Dr. Ryan enjoys amateur radio and farming with horses and cattle.  His wife is Wilma, and he has two children: Catherine Bradley, and William Wade Ryan III.  Dr. Ryan is an elder at Luther Church of Christ.  He is also a Bible class teacher, he is on the Board of Directors for the Luther Community Center, and he also preaches as needed.

Wayne Whaley, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

B.S., Oklahoma State University

M.S., Oklahoma State University

Ph.D., Oklahoma State University

Office: PEC 213

Office phone: 405.425.5424

Email: Wayne Whaley

Dr. Whaley works at OC “to change the world one engineering student at a time.”  He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, and is a sponsor for the ASME Student Section.  Dr. Whaley’s professional interests include structural fatigue and fracture, mechatronics, vibration, and dynamic system and controls.  His favorite memory of OC was: “watching my daughter and son-in-law graduate from OC.”  Dr. Whaley is a retired Colonel of the United States Air Force Reserve.  He is a judge for Odyssey of the Mind, and is also restoring a 1930 Model A Ford.  His wife is Karen, and he has two daughters: Morian Whaley, an artist, who lives in Edmond and Sabrina Riggs, an attorney, who lives in Columbus Ohio.  His son-in-law, Jeff Riggs is also a mechanical engineer.  He attends Memorial Road Church of Christ where he is a Bible class teacher.