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Ryan Hoover, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

 

Pictured is Ryan Hoover. Photo by Randall Coleman.Contact Information

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; Minors in robotics and jazz performance, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Courses Taught

  • Dynamics
  • Properties of Materials
  • Thermodynamics
  • Introduction to Physical and Space Science

Background

Dr. Ryan Hoover, P.E., is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in Point Park University's Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering. Prior to joining the faculty at Point Park, Dr. Hoover worked for Westinghouse Electric Company while completing his doctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Hoover worked at Westinghouse for over 15 years in the areas of control systems design and analysis, setpoint uncertainty, and plant computer systems. He currently serves as the chair of the International Society of Automation working group responsible for standards on setpoint uncertainty methodologies for nuclear safety-related instrumentation. He also serves on a committee responsible for developing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Curriculum Vitae

 

Conferences and Presentations

  • "Promise or Peril? AI & Your Future," panelist, North Park Church, July 2023

  • "Improving Reinforcement Learning Training using Multiple Reward Functions," Carnegie Mellon University Mechanical Engineering Department Ph.D. Symposium, 2022
  • "Neural Network Assisted Disturbance Rejection for Quadrotor Drones," Carnegie Mellon University Mechanical Engineering Department Ph.D. Symposium, 2020
  • "Neural Network Based Controller Tuning," Carnegie Mellon University Energy Week, 2019

  • Pressurized Water Reactor Owners Group – Instrumentation & Control Working Group

    • "Accounting for Static Pressure Effects in the Loop Uncertainty Analysis," Jan. 2018
    • "Development of 7300 Process Control System Software Models," Jan. 2018
    • Update from Westinghouse on how the ASDV is evaluated to operate as part of the control system setpoint study, July 2017
    • "Detailed Review of Control System Analysis," July 2016

Awards and Honors

  • Mechanical Engineering Outreach Star Award – Silver Level, 2022
  • George Westinghouse Signature Award, Business Level, 2022
  • MathWorks, Certified Matlab® Associate, January 2021
  • George Westinghouse Signature Award, Company Level, 2019
  • George Westinghouse Signature Award, Business Level, 2019
  • Professional Engineer, State of Kansas, January 2017
  • Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, June 2013
  • Carnegie Mellon University, College and University Honors, May 2005
  • Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society

Service Activities 

  • Carnegie Mellon University Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Organization, Served as a mentor to Ph.D. and master's program students and organized information sessions on professional engineering licensure, 2021-23
  • International Society of Automation, ISA67 Nuclear Power Plant Standards June 2016–Present
    • Chair of ISA 67.04 Working Group
    • Secretary of ISA 67 Committee
    • Secretary for ISA 67.04.01-2018 Standard
  • National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying November 2016–Present
    • Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Development Committee Member

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