Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas, Dallas, 2022
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas, Dallas, 2019
  • B.S., Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2004
Professional Honors
  • Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, The University of Texas at Dallas, 2021
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – Member

Dr. Gleason is a mechanical engineer in Exponent's Mechanical Engineering Practice with a background in finite element analysis (FEA), collision welding mechanics, mechanics of materials, and pulsed laser-based manufacturing processes. He has extensive experience in the Abaqus software for solid mechanics analysis, including the use of Eulerian (volume-of-fluid) frameworks for modeling nonlinear impact deformation and adding experimentally acquired geometries using Python scripting. 

During his research collaborations, Dr. Gleason prepared nanosecond-pulsed laser experiments for impact welding thin metallic parts, performed joint strength experiments on various samples, and implemented plasma pressure models in finite element simulations derived from optical measurements of pulsed laser beams. He has used MATLAB extensively, implementing the software to process digital images for surface profile characterization, impose inhomogeneous material properties in impact welding models, and model metallic plasticity.

As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Gleason utilized various engineering modeling software including SolidWorks and Creo Parametric. For the University's project courses in statics and dynamics, Dr. Gleason supervised student teams and oversaw the production of their designs with Stratasys 3D printers. He was awarded teaching assistantships for courses in engineering dynamics and vibrations and served as a volunteer for his research group's annual Engineering Brighter Futures for Autism outreach event. Dr. Gleason also has experience working with the solid mechanics modeling software LS-DYNA and Ansys Workbench.

Dr. Gleason's experience prior to joining Exponent includes civil and municipal engineering consulting, where he made extensive design contributions for infrastructure projects in the North Texas area, including the development of a municipal utility design study. During this time, Dr. Gleason employed several civil engineering software packages such as AutoCAD and WaterCAD to analyze proposed municipal developments and model city water distribution. Additionally, he supported the construction consulting practice of his firm by inspecting construction sites for municipal contract compliance.