Principal Lecturer
I am Principal Lecturer and the Engineering Academic Team Leader in the Faculty of Technology. After graduating from the University of Sunderland myself, with a BSc (Hons) Product Design with Management, I gained valuable experience as a Design Engineer within the tier 1 automotive supply chain, working directly for a variety of OEMs designing large scale injection moulded products and associated assemblies.
Further industrial experience includes supporting a diverse range of sectors as a consultant of digital tools for manufacturing organisations.
My specific expertise and interests lie in design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning and manufacturing processes. Since joining the academic team at the University of Sunderland, I have taught modules in the above areas as well as taking an active role in the academic leadership across the School of Engineering.
Teaching and supervision
I have been in involved in the development, planning, teaching and management of a broad range of engineering modules and courses at the University including:
- Mechanical Design and Material Selection
- Automotive Design and Material Selection
- Design, Drawing and Practical Skills
- Value Analysis/Value Engineering
- Operations Management
- Computer Aided Engineering
- Design for Manufacturing
- Project Supervision
I am Module Leader for level 6 design module on both the Mechanical and Automotive engineering courses.
Research
Publications
Article
Knapton, David (2019) Opinion piece: ensuring an effective higher engineering provision for STEM engaged applicants. Higher Education Pedagogies, 4 (1). ISSN 2375-2696
Elkady, M, Elmarakbi, Ahmed, Knapton, David, Saleh, M, Abdelhameed, M and Bawady, A (2013) Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Electromagnetic Variable Valve Timing Control Systems for Improvement of Spark Ignition Engine Performance. Advances in Automobile Engineering, 2 (3). pp. 1-8. ISSN 2167-7670
I take an active role in overseeing the ongoing accreditation process of the BEng suite of courses with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, (IET).
Recently, I also successfully secured funding from HEFCE to allow the development of an Engineering masters conversion course at the University.I am a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
