Martin Tanaka
Professor | Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC, UNITED STATES
Martin Tanaka's research interests include biomedical devices, computational modeling and neuromuscular control.
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Biography
As a faculty member at WCU, Martin Tanaka spends his time teaching mechanical engineering courses, conducting research, and serving the university and the community. He usually has a few graduate students and some students doing undergraduate research. Dr. Tanaka's research interests include developing innovative biomedical devices, computational modeling, neuromuscular control, and industry-academic partnerships. Most of his research projects have design, build, test, and optimization components stemming from my experience designing products in industry. He is a licensed professional engineer and enjoys working with students and local companies on their projects. Put simply, he applies mechanical engineering principles to solve biomedical problems. Being a veteran, he also has a special interest in his projects to assist the U.S. Armed Forces.
Professionally, he serves the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in a variety of leadership roles. After 26 years of membership, he was honored as an ASME fellow. Dr. Tanaka's degrees are in mechanical engineering (NCSU), engineering mechanics (VT) and I earned a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University.
Areas of Expertise (8)
Design For Manufacturing
Computational Modeling
Material Properties and Behavior
Innovation in Engineering Design
Product Design and Development
Innovative Biomedical Devices
Neuromuscular Control
Industry-Academic Partnerships
Accomplishments (8)
Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
2016
Winning Team – Faculty Entrepreneurship Boot Camp at UNC Chapel Hill
2015
Board of Governors Distinguished Teaching Award
2014-2015
The Kimmel School Distinguished Research and Scholarly Engagement Award
2013-2014
The Kimmel School Outstanding Early Faculty Career Award
2011-2012
Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor Society – Chapter President, NC Alpha
1990-1991
Veteran – Served in US Army
1985-1993
DOD Secret Clearance
Issued 1987
Education (3)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Ph.D., Biomedical/Medical Engineering 2008
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: M.S., Engineering Mechanics 1993
North Carolina State University at Raleigh: B.S., Mechanical Engineering 1992
Affiliations (1)
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Links (4)
Media Appearances (2)
Engineering professor named as resident scholar for NSF funded research with FDA
WCU Stories online
2022-03-02
“I am excited about the opportunity to work at the FDA. I think my experience with mathematical modeling, computer simulations, and my time designing commercial products in industry will add an additional perspective,” said Tanaka. “Beyond advancing science, I’ll use what I learn at the FDA to enhance my teaching and provide undergraduate research opportunities for students at WCU.”
Engineering students collaborate to design and build a solar tracking array
WCU Stories online
2022-02-04
The device earned top marks in the junior design class taught by mechanical engineering professor Martin Tanaka, who spent 11 years designing commercial products in the private sector.
Articles (3)
Quantifying the Accuracy of a Motion Detecting Neural Prosthesis
ASME 2020 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition2020
A Thesis Development Course for Engineering Graduate Students
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering2020
Design of a Novel Head Support for People With Hypermobile-Type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy2020
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