Biography

Dr. J. Keith Nisbett is a Chancellor’s Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He received B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas – Arlington. Dr. Nisbett’s research and educational interests are in machine design, machine kinematics, and mechanisms synthesis. 

Dr. Nisbett is the editing author of the hallmark textbook, Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design. He is active as a mentor and consultant to members of the school’s many student design teams. For 15 years, Dr. Nisbett mentored middle-school and high-school robotics competition teams, and hosted S&T’s robotics summer camp. Dr. Nisbett has been honored with numerous outstanding teaching awards, including the Missouri Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

In 2002, Dr. Nisbett was a gubernatorial appointee to the newly formed Missouri Amusement Ride Safety Board. He served as chair of the board for its first 12 years.

Dr. Nisbett served as Associate Chair for the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program at Missouri S&T for 23 years.

Professional Experience

August 2024 – Present	Chancellor’s Professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology
August 1995 – August 2024	Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology
July 2019 – December 2020	Interim Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology
August 1998 – December 2021	Associate Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology
January 1989 – July 1995	Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology
January 1986 – December 1988	Assistant Instructor, University of Texas at Arlington
1980 – 1983	Apprentice machinist, Nisbett Machine Shop, Coppell, Texas

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Research Interests

Kinematics, Mechanical design, and Synthesis of mechanisms

Honors and Awards

• 2022, 2016 S&T Faculty Teaching Award
• 2019-2020 S&T College of Engineering and Computing Dean’s Educator
• 2011 S&T Faculty Service Award
• 2022, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1993, 1992 S&T Outstanding Teaching Award
• 2007 UMR Outstanding Advisor, Freshmen Engineering
• 2005 Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers Faculty Excellence Award
• 2002 Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence
• 2000 – 2001 UM Faculty Performance Shares Award, for efforts in recruiting and retention
• 2000 Academy of Mechanical Engineers Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching
• 1996 – 1997 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, MSM–UMR Alumni Association

Education

• 1988 – Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
• 1986 – M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
• 1984 – B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington