Biography of John Ventura

 

Education

 

  • Graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, when the school was known as Christian Brothers College.
  • Earned a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida in 1967.
  • EdS from the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. in 2002.
  • Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.in 2006

States Registered:

  • Tennessee - Professional Engineer (Retired)
  • Mississippi - Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor 

Classes Taught at Christian Brothers University

 

  • Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving
  • Electromechanical Energy Conversion
  • Microprocessors –Architecture/Programming
  • Electrical and Computer Engineer Project
  • Electric Circuits I          
  • Electric Circuits II
  • Electronics I
  • Digital Design
  • Internship Electrical/Computer Engineering                                                                             
  • Special Topics:  Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Human Computer Interface
  • Senior Project Design
  • Instrumentation    

Principal Publications:

 

  • J. Ventura, D. Choudhary, S. Malasri, K. Pauta, K. Howle, W. Sobczak, S. E. Dantis, C. Crow, and E. Hunter. First Year Engineering Education, MAESC, Memphis, TN, May 2011
  • K. Meyers, J. Uhran, C. Pieronek, D. Budny, J. Ventura, P. Ralston, J. K. Estell, B. Hart, C. Slaboch, and R. Ladewski (2008). “Perspective on First Year Engineering Education,” American Society for Engineering Education Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 22-25, 2008.
  • S. Malasri, A. Ray, Y. Zhou, J. Ventura, P. Shiue, and A. Pourhashemi (2007). “2007 Packaging Summer Programs at Christian Brothers University,” Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Southeast Section Conference, Memphis, TN, April 6-8, 2008.
  • Ventura, J. (2007). Web-Based Evaluation Process for an Engineering Department. Proceedings of IEEE SoutheastCon 2007, Richmond, VA.
  • Ventura, J. (2006). Web-Based Evaluation Process for an Electrical Engineering Department, Dissertation  in the School of Computer and Information Sciences, Nova Southeaster University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Ventura, J., Ventura, M., & Olabe, J. C. (2005). Embodied Conversational Agents:  Developing Usable Agents. Proceedings of IEEE SoutheastCon 2005 Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Ventura, J., Drake, R., & McGrory, J. (2005). NI ELVIS Has Entered the Lab. Proceedings of IEEE SoutheastCon 2005, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Beaver, J., Luong, B., & Ventura, J. (2005). Incident Energy:  A Case Study. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Ellis, B., Zurita, F., & Ventura, J. (2005). Web-Based Surveys. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Ventura, J., & Ventura, M., (2004). Animated Agents:  Motivational Consequences. Proceedings of IEEE SoutheastCon 2004 Conference, Greensboro, NC.
  • Ventura, J. (2003). Accreditation Criteria for Engineering Programs – Implementing EC-2000 Criteria. Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education, Nashville, TN.
  • Vickery, A., Wathen, D., & Ventura, J. (2003). Control System for Ruberg Mixers. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Lavie, L., Burns, D., & Ventura, J. (2003). Electrical Safety for an Offshore Power System. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Quarmyne, N., Simpson, J., & Ventura, J. (2003). Network Design to Expand Capacity of Existing Telecommunications Infrastructure. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Ventura, J. (2002). Accreditation Criteria for Online Educational Programs. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Gupta, S., DePouw, M., & Ventura, J. (2002). Database Design for Electrical Panels. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • De Lima, S., Tom Mascari, T., & Ventura, J. (2002).  Adapting Self-Diagnostic Technology for a High Lumen Fluorescent Emergency Ballast. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Drake, R., Howard, A., & Ventura, J. (2002). Some Implementation Results and System Effects of Power Electronic Speed Control of Three-Phase AC Motors in Closed-Loop Operation. The Thirty-Fourth Southeastern Symposium on System Theory, Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Ventura, J. (2001). Integration of Simulator Programs into Web-Based Curriculum. Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Ventura, J. (2001). Models for On-Line Learning. Memphis Area Engineering and Science Conference, Memphis, TN.
  • Malasri, S., Madhavan, K., & Ventura, J. (2000). Should Engineering Faculty be Registered? Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference, Memphis, TN.

 

Other duties performed during the academic year:

  • Team leader in developing the ABET Self-Study Report for the Electrical Engineering Program, July 1, 2009
  • Sponsor/Co-Host Chair for the Memphis Area Engineering and Sciences Conference (MAESC) 2009, CBU, May, 2009

 

Other related experience - teaching, industrial, etc. 

 

  • Developed a new freshman engineering course – Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving, Fall 2008
  • High School Workshops on Build an Electric Motor, Fall 2008
  • Taught a course at ESIGELEC in Rouen, France on Energy and Transportation in October 2007
  • Technical Program/Proceedings Co-Chair for IEEE SoutheastCon 2006 in Memphis, TN
  • Mathcounts-MSPE (2000-present)
  • NI LabView Users Group - Memphis (2006)
  • WebCT Users Group (2000-present)
  • Online Instruction Committee (2000-present)
  • Organizing Committee for the Annual Memphis Area Engineering and Science Conference (2001- 2006) 
  • Manager of Engineering & Planning for Smith Engineering & Surveying Inc., 10/98/ - 10/99
  • Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of Greenville, Mississippi, 1/92 - 9/98
  • Board Chairman of Mid-South Transportation, Inc. 1979 - 1998
  • Design/Build Consulting firm - Ventura, Inc. 1972 - 1998
  • Technical Report NO. ED-7108; Interface for D17B Minuteman Computer and Flexwriter. HSF Grant GY-7686, 1971
  • Assistant Professor – Christian Brothers College, 1967 - 1972
  • IBM Systems Engineer – Cape Kennedy, Florida, 1965 - 1966  

 

Scientific and professional societies of which a member:

 

  • Chair of Memphis-Area Joint Engineers Council 2010-2011
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Center for Electrical Engineering Education (SCEEE) 2009
  • Vice-Chair of Memphis-Area Joint Engineers Council 2009-2010
  • IEEE, student advisor at CBU (2001 to present)
  • IEEE, student activities chair for Memphis Section (2002-present)
  • ASEE (2000 to present)
  • TSPE, treasurer of Memphis Chapter (2000 to present)
  • NSPE (1972 to present)
  • ACM (2001-2008)
  • Society for Applied Learning Technology ( 2002-2008)
  • Southern Building Code Congress International (1972 – 2001)

 

Honors and Awards:           

  • Memphis-Area Joint Engineering Council Award of Excellence – 2009
  • CBU Featured Engineering Management Faculty Award – 2007
  • IEEE Award of Appreciation presented by IEEE Memphis Section for service as Student Branch Advisor, Technical Program Chair, and Technical Proceedings Chair at IEEE SoutheastCon 2006
  • Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Distinguished Service Award - 2006
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Distinguished Service Award - 2006
  • IEEE Featured Electrical and Computer Engineer – 2006
  • CBU Featured Electrical and Computer Engineer – 2006
  • IEEE Senior Member - 2003
  • Outstanding Campus Advisor (CBU IEEE Student Branch) - 2002
  • CBU Featured Electrical and Computer Engineer - 2001
  • Distinguished Alumnus Award, Christian Brothers  College - 1990
  • Mississippi Industrial Development Council Volunteer of the Year Laureate - 1988
  • Butler Manufacturing Company’s Multi-Story Systems Project of the Year (Southern Region) -1985

 

 

Professional Development Activities:
  • IEEE Memphis Chapter of PES/IAS – Electric Vechile Stations in the Memphis Area, Richard Bowker, CBU, November 2, 2011(One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE/IEEE Seminar – Are Ethics and Engineering synonymous?, Dr. Scott Lawyer, MBA Director, CBU, September 13, 2011(One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE/IEEE Seminar – SR 385/I-269: from Macon Road to Poplar Avenue, Construction Observation and Status Report and Ethics questions pertaining to the project. Should engineers take on responsibility for reducing the potential for serious accidents involving the general public trespassing onto our large construction sites?, Stan Klenk, P.E., CBU, May 10, 2011(One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE/IEEE Seminar – Solar Panels at Sharp Manufacturing, Bill Houston, P.E., CBU, April 12, 2011(One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Shelby Farms Greenline Engineering Challenges, Frank Gianotti, PE, with Tetra Tech and J. Ritchie Smith, ASLA, with Ritchie Smith Associates, Ensafe, Inc, March 2011
  • Office of Naval Research (ONR)/NSF sponsored workshop on Reforming Electric Energy Systems Curriculum With Emphasis on Renewables/Storage, Smart Delivery and Efficient End-Use, organized by the University of Minnesota, Dr. Ned Mohan, Napa, California, February 4-5, 2011.
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code: A Brief Overview of the First Overhaul of the City and County's Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations in Nearly Thirty Years, Josh Whitehead, AICP, Assistant City Attorney, CBU, September 16, 2010 (One PDH)
  • Society of American Military Engineers – Regional Sediment Management: Mt. St. Helens and Delta Headwaters Project, Dr. David Biedenharn, CBU September 15, 2010 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Lighting Protection, Grounding and Surge Protection, Peter Carpenter, Director of Applied Engineering Lighting Eliminators & Consultants, Inc., CBU, March 9, 2010 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – ICC Requirements for Special Inspections, Gallett & Associates – A Terracon Company, CBU, January 12, 2010 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Version 3 Changes, Matt Coulter, PE, LEED AP, CBU, October 13, 2009 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Thinking About Pursuing Your PMP? (Project Management Professional), Debbie Miller, PNP, CBU, September 8, 2009
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head Association Meeting – March 2009, New Orleans, LA
  • ECEDHA ABET Workshop for Programs to Visited in 2010 and 2011 – March 2009, New Orleans, LA
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Upcoming/Ongoing Projections in Memphis Area and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Affects on TDOT, Chuck Rygen, CBU, May 12, 2009 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Improvements to the River Ecosystem in West TN, David Salyers, Executive Director of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority, CBU, March 10, 2009 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Introduction to DIPRA and Ductile Iron Pipe, Allen Cox, P.E. of DIPR, EnSafe, January 13, 2009 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Where Have All Our Hero’s Gone, Dr. Bevalee B. Pray, Memphis, TN, November 11, 2008 (Two PDHs)
  • Southeastern Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head Association Meeting – November 6-7, 2008, Atlanta, GA
  • Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners meeting on Fundamentals of Engineering Exam – November 16, 2008, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Riverfront Development in Memphis, John Conroy of Riverfront Development Corporation, CBU, October 14, 2008 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Execution, Kent Vaughn of Franklin Covey, CBU, September 11, 2008 (One PDH)
  • Student Advisor for IEEE Student Professional Activities Conference (S-PAC), Memphis, TN, March 27, 2008
  • IEEE SoutheastCon 08 – April 3-6, 2008, Huntsville, AL
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – The Role of Professional Engineering Societies and Organization in Engineering Accreditation (Presenter: John Ventura, PE), CBU, April 8, 2008
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head Association Meeting – March 2008, Augustine, FL
    Southeastern Electrical and Computer Engineering Department head Association Meeting (SECEDHA) – November 2007, Atlanta, GA
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Corrugated Seamless Profile PVC Storm Sewer Pipe, Paul Gavin, CBU, November 13, 2007(One PDH)
  • On Engineering Education: The Role of the First Year – July 2007, University of Notre Dame
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – Murphy's Law, Loyal Murphy, P.E., CBU, May 15, 2007 (One PDH)
  • Memphis Chapter of TSPE Seminar – The Role of Professional Engineering Societies and Organizations in Engineering Accreditation, John Ventura, P.E., CBU, April 10, 2007 (One PDH)
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Association (ECEDHA) – March 2007, St. Augustine, FL
  • ECEDHA ABET Workshop for Programs to Visited in 2008 and 2009 – March 2007, St. Augustine, FL
  • IEEE SoutheastCon 07 – March, 2007, Richmond, VA
  • ABET Evaluator Training (7 hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • Conspiracy To Succeed: Attracting the Right Kids to Engineering (Panel) - Sherra Kerns, Ph.D (F.W. Olin College of Engineering) (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • An Approach to Overcoming Your Engineering Training – Donald J. Koestler (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • Liability & Management Challenges of Information Retention - Gunther O. Carrle, Esq. (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • Frontiers in Nanotechnology - Venkateshti Narayanamur, John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong (Professor and Dean of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University) (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • The BIG Dig: Central Artery Project - Robert Albee (Director of Telecommunications Engineering, VHB Inc.) (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • 7 Deadly Sins of Dysfunctional Meetings - Charlie Hawkins, Seahawk Associates  (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • Harness the Power of Communication:  A Leadership Imperative - Marilyn Nyman (The Nyman Group) (1.5 PDH hours), NSPE Annual Convention, June 5 to July 9, 2006, Boston, MA
  • IEEE RO-MAN 2005 International Workshop on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, August 13-15, 2005, Nashville, TN
  • Microchip Workshop on DSP engine of dsPIC30F family of Digital Signal Controllers, June 2005, Memphis, TN
  • Fire and Explosion Dynamics, TSPE, Memphis, TN, April 19, 2005
  • Hollow Fiber Membrane in Water Treatment & Advancement in SCADA Systems for Water Treatment Facilities, TSPE, Memphis, TN, June 17, 2005
  • Ethics – more than Engineering Problem Solving, TSPE, Memphis, TN, December 1, 2004
  • FedEx’s Future Vehicle Project (1PDH), Memphis Chapter of Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, Memphis, TN, September 21, 2004
  • National Instrument Workshop on LabVIEW, Memphis, Tennessee, July 2004.
  • Dreamweaver MX 2004, CBU, June 8, 2004
  • Ethics Seminar, (2 PDHs), by Memphis Chapter of Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, Memphis, TN, November 2003.
  • Audit of MEM 636 Computer Networks – Christian Brothers University, Spring of 2003.
  • Audit of MEM 637 File Organization and Database Management – Christian Brothers University, Summer of 2003.
  • MathWorks Seminar: "MATLAB Applications for Test & Measurement," Oak Ridge, Tennessee - September 18, 2002. 
  • Enhanced Bioremediation of Trichlorethylene in Groundwater at NSA Mid-South, TSPE, Memphis, TN, April 9, 2002
  • “1B Space-Time Coding and MIMO Channels for High Data Rate Wireless Communications,” IEEE Southeast Con, 2002 (.2 CEUs).
  • Microsoft Seminar: “Project 2002,” Memphis, TN – June 19, 2002.
  • The Engineers Ethical Responsibility in Sustainable Development, TSPE, Memphis, TN, October 9, 2001
  • Introduction to JAVA – University of Memphis, six-week online course, 2002
  • Creating Web Pages – University of Memphis, six-week online course, 2001
  • Microsoft Front Page 2000 – University of Memphis, six-week online course, 2001

 

Other Community Service and Affiliations

  • Certified as a CERT Volunteer at a two day workshop on Community Emergency Response Team Training by the Memphis/Shelby Emergency Management Agency
  • Volunteer for Mathcounts (2000 to present)
  • Volunteer for Olive Branch Community Thrift Shop, Queen of Peace Catholic Church (2000 to present)
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church-Finance Committee (1980 to 1998)
  • Board of Directors of Chamber of Commerce - Greenville, MS (1986 to 1989)
  • Butler Manufacturing Co. Advisory Council (1980 to 1982)
  • Board of Director of Washington County Industrial Foundation (1987 to 1990, founder member, and past president)
  • Southern Building Code Congress International (1980 to 1992)
  • Mississippi Society for Professional Engineers (1972 to 1999)
  • Delta Regional Procurement Center (Founding member and Chairman 1987 to 1991)
  • Greenville Foundation, Inc. (Founding member, Board of Trustees 1988 to 1998, and Co-chairman of the Executive Committee)
  • Appointed by the Governor of Mississippi to the US Highway 82 Four-Lane Construction Compact (1989 to 1993)
  • Member of the Economic Development District of Washington County (1989 to 1991)
  • MATHCOUNTS Area Chairman - Delta Chapter (1993 to 1996)
  • Rotary Club (1989 to 1998 and 1999-2000)Adopt a School Program (1988-1991)
  • Member of American Water Works Association (1993-1998)
  • Real Estate Broker-Mississippi (1970s and 1980s)