William Clark Named Interim Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Professor William “Buddy” Clark was appointed Interim Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, effective September 1, 2025, according to an announcement by Michele V. Manual, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering.

“Buddy is an engineering and educational leader who is passionate about student success. He is an innovative researcher and a successful inventor, and an entrepreneur,” Manuel said. “His development of the Swanson School’s Innovation, Product Design, and Entrepreneurship program has helped to transform the undergraduate curriculum by engaging students in hands-on learning and giving them the opportunity to start their own businesses even before graduation. He has also advised more than 50 MS and PhD students at Pitt.”

Brian Gleeson, who is stepping down as department chair after 12 years of service, noted, “Buddy has been an invaluable leader in our department. His deep commitment to students and to fostering their success makes him exceptionally well-suited for the Chair role.” 

Buddy’s commercialization success further helps to fuel student interest and engagement. His research in mechatronics, controls, and sensors, especially applied to human motion, has led to the development of several medical and industrial applications. He has earned 19 patents, and his startup, Diamond Kinetics – which produces data-driven bat swing and throwing systems for baseball and softball training, has been used at all levels of the game and has led to a partnership with Major League Baseball that seeks to transform youth engagement in the sport. 

In 2019, Buddy received the Marlin Mickle Outstanding Innovator Award, the University’s highest honor for faculty innovation. He was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2021. Prior to joining Pitt, Buddy earned his BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech.