NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2008 -- Merle C. Potter, Ph.D., P.E., a resident of Okemos, Mich., and professor emeritus of mechanical engineering at Michigan State University, East Lansing, will be honored by ASME.  He is being recognized for making a renowned impact on thermodynamics through 42 years of outstanding teaching and through published textbooks, and for research on energy consumption in dwellings and industrial plants.  He will receive the ASME’s James Harry Potter Gold Medal.

The medal, established in 1980, is conferred upon an individual in recognition of eminent achievement or distinguished service in the application of the science of thermodynamics in mechanical engineering.  The award will be presented to Dr. Potter during the 2008 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, which is being held in Boston, Oct. 31 through Nov. 6.

Potter began his teaching career as an undergraduate at Michigan Technological University, Houghton, teaching freshman mathematics.  Soon after, he joined Michigan Tech’s engineering mechanics department and, in 1961, accepted a Ford faculty scholarship to study fluid mechanics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

In 1965, Potter joined the mechanical engineering department at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing.  Since 1998, he has been a professor emeritus of mechanical engineering.  At MSU he served on numerous committees and, while chairman of the College Curriculum Committee, was responsible for the creation of the Engineering Arts Bachelor’s of Science Degree Program.

Potter is one of the most prolific authors of texts and reference books in engineering education.  He has authored/co-authored 26 textbooks and exam review books covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, applied mathematics and engineering practice.  He is presently working on several additional books while in retirement.

Since the 1970s, Potter has actively worked on issues of energy conservation.  His research on energy consumption in dwellings and industrial plants has led to an improved understanding of the efforts that provide the greatest economic benefit.  Among his numerous research papers, he cites The Case Against the Superinsulated House to be his most enjoyable research.

Potter emphasized problem-solving learning in the classroom and in his texts, and his teaching methods focused on gaining insight and retaining knowledge without memorization.  He strongly supported and encouraged professional registration.

An ASME member, Potter served as faculty advisor for numerous years.  He received the ASME Centennial Award in 1980.

Potter received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and his master’s degree in engineering mechanics at Michigan Technological University in 1958 and 1961, respectively.  He earned his master’s in aerospace engineering and his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics at the University of Michigan in 1964 and 1965, respectively.  He is a registered professional engineer in Michigan.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.

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