Thomas Kurfess
About Thomas Kurfess
Thomas Kurfess serves as the Chief Manufacturing Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and is a professor at Georgia Institute of Technology. He has a strong academic background in mechanical and electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has held various leadership roles in advanced manufacturing and technology commercialization.
Current Position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Thomas Kurfess serves as the Chief Manufacturing Officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2019. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating federal advanced manufacturing research and development. His work addresses critical issues related to technology commercialization, ensuring that innovations in manufacturing are effectively transitioned into practical applications.
Academic Role at Georgia Institute of Technology
In addition to his role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Thomas Kurfess is a Professor and the HUSCO/Ramirez Distinguished Chair in Fluid Power and Motion Control at Georgia Institute of Technology. He has held this position since 2012, contributing to the academic community and advancing research in fluid power and motion control within the Greater Atlanta Area.
Educational Background
Thomas Kurfess has an extensive educational background from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned a Bachelor of Science (SB) in Mechanical Engineering from 1982 to 1986, followed by a Master of Science (SM) in Mechanical Engineering from 1986 to 1987. He further pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering from 1988 to 1989. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Science (SM) in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from 1987 to 1988.
Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles
Thomas Kurfess holds several significant professional affiliations. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). He serves on the Board of Trustees for the MT Connect Institute and holds leadership positions as Vice President for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences.
Research and Development Focus
Thomas Kurfess's research emphasizes the design and development of advanced manufacturing systems. His work targets digital manufacturing, additive and subtractive processes, and large-scale production enterprises. He possesses significant expertise in high precision manufacturing and metrology systems, contributing to advancements in the manufacturing sector.