Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
When Ellen Lackey first arrived at the University of Mississippi, the Forrest native was much like any other first-year student. A brilliant scholar, she soon graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in general engineering.
Within six years, Lackey also completed both her master’s degree in mechanical engineering and her doctorate in materials science and engineering, both from Ole Miss.
“Because I am originally from Mississippi, I was excited to have an opportunity to stay in Mississippi and contribute to the education of students in Mississippi,” she said. “I enjoy working with the students in classes and on projects.”
After joining the Department of Mechanical Engineering as an acting assistant professor in 1995, Lackey quickly rose within the ranks. A year later, she became an assistant professor, was promoted to associate professor in 2002 and became a full professor in 2010.
She teaches both undergraduate and graduate students in materials science, design, manufacturing and CAD/CAM/CAE courses. Lackey has also participated in course development activities, including courses in failure analysis, composites manufacturing, CAD, mechanical characterization of composites and introduction to manufacturing. A beloved instructor, Lackey has been selected to receive the ASME Student Section Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Teacher Award (which may be received once every three years) seven times since 1996.
“In terms of academic honors, I am proud of receiving the UM Faculty Achievement Award and the School of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award,” she said. “Both of these awards value the significance of both teaching and research.”
Involved with composite materials research for the past 24 years, Lackey has made numerous contributions to the composites industry.
“I am proud of my work as a member of the Pultrusion Industry Council Load Resistance Factor Design Technical Committee and the ASTM D 20.18 Committee,” she said. “Work on these committees has included the development of various ASTM standards and the development of the ANSI standard document, ‘Code of Standard Practice for Fabrication and Installation of Pultruded Structures.'”
The Standard for LRFD of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer structures will have long-term impacts, as it will help expand opportunities in structural applications for the composites industry.
Besides her work at UM, Lackey has worked in summer positions at the National Mechanical Engineering Laboratory in Tsukuba, Japan, and at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“In 2012, I joined 10 other industry professionals on the annual list of Bright, Energetic, Skilled Trailblazers in the composites industry, as selected by the American Composites Manufacturers Association,” she said.
Lackey holds membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASM International, Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering, American Composites Manufacturing Association and American Society for Engineering Education. Lackey is chief faculty adviser for the Mississippi Beta chapter of Tau Beta Pi.
Lackey’s dedication, scholarship and service have garnered her highest regards from colleagues.
“Dr. Lackey is most definitely one of the strongest members of our faculty,” said Arunachalam Rajendran, chair and professor of mechanical engineering. “Not only is she an outstanding teacher and accomplished researcher, she is also an excellent mentor and adviser to our students.”
In her spare time, Lackey said she enjoys watching Ole Miss sports, playing league tennis, travel, the outdoors, reading, computer-electronics projects and her corgis: Worf and Sulu.