Richard P. Neilson

Dean and Professor of Naval Architecture

B.S. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, 1970

M.S. Engineering Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 1983

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Appointments at Webb:

Dean and Professor of Naval Architecture, 2011 – 2015

Professor of Naval Architecture, 1979 – 1987

Other Professional Experience:

Director of Technology and Business Development (Americas Division), Vice President of Engineering (European Division), Vice President of Technology and Business Development (Americas Division), Vice President of SafeShip Development (Corporate), Vice President of Marine Technology (Corporate) – American Bureau of Shipping, 1996 – 2011

Manager Surface Ship Research and Development, Manager Commercial Ship Repair Engineering, Manager Commercial Ship Design, 1987 – 1996

Naval Architect/Structural Engineering Supervisor – Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., 1975 – 1979

LCDR USCGR – Commanding Officer Reserve Unit Montauk, 1981 – 1984

Academic Instructor of Apprentices – Newport News Shipbuilding, 1974 – 1975

LTJG/Naval Architect – Design Branch, Naval Engineering Division, USCG Headquarters, 1970 – 1974

Courses Taught:

Introduction to Naval Architecture (NA I), Ship Design I, 2011 – 2015

Introduction to Shipbuilding, Practical Naval Architecture, Theoretical Naval Architecture, Ship Resistance and Propulsion, Ship Design, 1979 – 1987

Professional Development Activities:

Academic Leadership Academy – The Pennsylvania State University – 2011

Managing Managers – Center for Creative Leadership – 1991

Managing Innovation – Center for Creative Leadership – 1989

Honors and Professional Recognition:

United States Coast Guard Achievement Medal – 1984

Chaffee Memorial Prize – Webb Institute of Naval Architecture – 1970

Professional Membership:

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE)
American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)

Additional Duties Beyond Teaching:

Dean, 2011 – 2015
Senior Thesis Advisor, 1980 – 1987, 2011 – 2015
Chairman, Industry Advisory Group (IAG), 2011 – 2015
Ex-officio Member of Board of Trustees, 2011 – 2015
Vice Chairman Planning Committee, 2011 – 2015
Member Education Committee, 2011 – 2015

Service Beyond Webb:

Chairman, Design/Integration Panel, National Shipbuilding Research Program, 1981 – 1984
Member, Education Panel – National Shipbuilding Research Program – 1983 – 1985
Vestryman, Trinity Episcopal Church, Swarthmore, PA, 1978 – 1979