People

Marc Perlin, Director Director of the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory Professor of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Joint Appointment with Mechanical Engineering Joint Appointment with Civil and Environmental Engineering233 NA&ME Bldg., 2600 Draper Dr. 734.763.4754 perlin@umich.eduProfessor Perlin earned a PhD in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Florida and an MCE in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware. He has extensive industry experience in coastal engineering and is a certified Professional Engineer in Virginia.  His current research activities include energy dissipation and drag reduction.
Steven Zalek, Assistant Director Assistant Director of the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory Research Investigator and Lecturer 126A West Hall zaleksf@umich.eduDr. Zalek received his Ph.D. from the NA&ME Department in the Winter of 2007, and earned two MSE degrees in Mechanical Engineering (2003) and NA&ME (2002). His research areas are in design optimization of marine systems and experimental hydrodynamics with sponsored research from the Office of Naval Research and NAVSEA. He has served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy nuclear submarine force aboard the USS Baltimore (SSN-704) and in the active reserve in the areas of surface ship personnel training and NATO submarine command operations. He has worked in heavy industry in the areas of reliability engineering and plant engineering management. He teaches the Senior/Graduate level course on advanced marine design and he is an Associate Member of SNAME.
Amanda Dallaire Administrative Assistant 126 West Hall dallaire@umich.eduAmanda provides administrative and contract and grant support to faculty and staff at the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory. She manages the day-to-day activities of the MHL office, including lab schedules, purchasing, and financial project management. She previously worked at the University of Michigan as the administrator for M-CASTL (The Michigan Center for Advancing Safer Transportation Throughout the Lifespan) in the Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). She attended Western Michigan University, majoring in psychology and economics; Baker College, studying accounting; and is currently attending The University of Michigan-Flint, studying Business Administration.
Dave Parsons Engineering Technician dpmhl@umich.eduDave works with both electronics and mechanical fabrication at the MHL. He is an expert in underwater systems fabrication and is responsible for setting up and conducting experiments at the MHL.  He is the main tow tank carriage operator and specializes in physical experimentation techniques, procedures, and safety.  Dave handles much of the undergraduate laboratory course set up and works closely with the students.
Nick Wild Engineering Technician nwild@umich.eduNick handles the composite lay-up and fabrication and is in charge of the machine & welding shop and the model shop. He is an experienced certified motor mechanic, and he works on a one-to-one basis with students who are fabricating equipment for their experiments. His extensive mechanical skills play an essential part in the upkeep and repair of the lab’s shop and research equipment.