Nathan Hartman is the Dauch Family Professor of Advanced Manufacturing and Department Head of the Department of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University, and Director of the Purdue University Digital Enterprise Center. Professor Hartman is also Co-Executive Director of the Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC). In 2011, Professor Hartman was designated a University Faculty Scholar. Professor Hartman’s research areas focus on the process and methodology for creating model-based definitions; the use of the model-based definition in the product lifecycle; developing the model-based enterprise; geometry automation; and data standards, interoperability, and re-use; and digital transformation of the manufacturing enterprise.

Professor Hartman’s industry research partners include Rolls Royce, Cummins, Boeing, GM, Collins Aerospace, Textron, Gulfstream, Procter & Gamble, GM, Honda, and others. He has also done funded research work through NSF, DMDII, and NIST programs. Professor Hartman has been PI, Co-PI, or Senior Personnel on grant proposals to support his academic interests which have resulted in direct funding totaling over $10,000,000.

As an active leader of industry research and engagement in the Polytechnic Institute, Professor Hartman is currently serving as the Purdue principal investigator for the MxD Institute (formerly DMDII), and serves as a subject matter expert in PLM and digital transformation for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and several corporations. Professor Hartman teaches courses in 3D modeling, virtual collaboration, 3D data interoperability, and graphics standards and data exchange. Professor Hartman also leads a team in the development and delivery of online PLM, MBD, and TDP professional education certificate programs for Purdue’s various industry partners.

Prior to his tenure at Purdue University, Professor Hartman worked for Fairfield Manufacturing, Caterpillar, and Rand Worldwide. He holds and BS in Technical Graphics and an MS in Industrial Technology form Purdue University, and a Doctorate in Technology Education (with emphases in cognitive psychology and training and development) from North Carolina State University.