Russ College prof balances undergrad teaching and leadership with his own research

Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology and Management (ETM) Neil Littell is the ultimate project manager — and his biggest challenge might be managing his own schedule.

When I worked in industry full time, I had to learn how to prioritize and schedule my life to get things done, says Littell, who teaches an engineering design course and the capstone course both for ETM and the department's bachelor's degree program in technical operations management. I get uncomfortable if I'm not busy. My favorite phrase is, What can I do to help?

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers Adviser of the Year sets his sights on helping as many people as possible. He consistently shares that notion with his students because of how the value has opened doors for him.

He put the words into action when leading Russ College students to collaborate with education students to design interactive museum displays for local Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.

The experience stretches both groups of students outside of their comfort zones a bit, but the end results are definitely better than either group could have created on their own, he says.

After 15 years working in the field to research and help companies implement PLM (product lifecycle management) strategies and solutions, Littell says he jumped at the chance to work at the Russ College, because the culture encourages excellence in teaching — as well as in research and service. During summer, when not in the classroom, he helps companies implement solutions to remain competitive.

This is a great change of pace for me, which helps me recharge my batteries and passion for connecting students with industry, Littell says. I also love seeing the audits when I'm able to save companies tens of millions of dollars.

Back on campus, he originated the Russ College's undergraduate certificate in project management. And as national president of the ATMAE (Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering) student division, Littell is designing a new robot challenge for the organization's November annual conference, after having led the team to third and fourth place wins last year.

Somehow, he has still found time to focus on the next big thing.

I'm working with others on some new educational experiences, which will be uniquely OHIO, he says. I can't really talk about it, but this is going to be huge.

Colleen Carow Contributed to this story.