Biography

Academic Experience:

Dr. Richard “Rick” Scott joined the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Missouri University of Science and Technology in the spring of 2025 and has previously taught at Clemson University, the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and the University of Texas at Arlington.  He has taught Statics, Dynamics, Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, Vibrations, Finite Element Analysis, and Computer-Aided Engineering. Rick brings 31 years of practical industry knowledge to the academy and is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring.

Industry Experience:

Before transitioning to academia, Rick spent 31 years in industry, with 26 years at Raytheon. During his tenure at Raytheon, he specialized in the design and analysis of electro-optic infrared sensors, gimbaled turrets, radars, and other electro-mechanical systems, receiving six patent awards for his efforts. Rick’s technical skills included vibration and shock analysis, finite element (FE) modeling, stress analysis, and opto-mechanical design.

Research Interests

Teaching and learning methods, control-structure interactions, design optimization, finite element modeling techniques, mechanical design and analysis in electronics packaging, opto-mechanical design.

Education

• 2018 – Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington
• 2007 – M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington
• 1992 – B.S. in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology, Oklahoma State University