Nicole Hoekstra

Professor

Educational & Professional Experience

Academic Experience:  Professor of Plastics and Composites Engineering since 1998, Director of the Technology Development Center

Teaching and Research Interests:  While I enjoy teaching and research in a broad range of topics, my area of expertise is in thermoplastics formulation, processing, mold design and characterization.  I also am heavily involved in developing opportunities for students to work with industry partners on applied research projects as part of the engineering curriculum.

Industrial Experience:  Manufacturing Engineer for medical injection molding and extrusion company before starting at WWU

Education:  BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota

Example of Research Publication:

Deans, A. Ohlfs, D. Rider, N. Larson, N.L. Hoekstra, “Influence of Core Surface Treatments on the Adhesion of Thermoplastic Coatings for Aerospace Fasteners”, Proceedings, The Society of Plastics Engineers’ ANTEC, (2015)

Example of Teaching Publication:

Nicole Hoekstra, Jason Morris,  "Solving Industry Design Problems using Engineering Technology and Industrial Design Student Teams", Proceedings, Frontiers in Education (2009)