Dr. Brian Howell
Assistant Professor, Engineering Technology
Ph.D., Florida Institute of Technology
M.E. Electrical Engineering, University of Virginia
B.A. Bridgewater College
Email: bhowell@email.wcu.edu
335 Belk
828.227.2472

Assistant Professor and ECET Program Director

Dr. Brian Howell came to Western in 2004 in the Electronic and Computer Engineering Program with a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology. Dr. Howell’s specialization is in ocean instrumentation and artificial intelligence for recognition. He also received a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering FROM. Dr. Howell previously performed research in integrated optics and optoelectronics as well as accomplishing development work in the solar cell industry. Prior to receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Howell worked in the aerospace and environmental instrumentation fields for twenty years. At Harris Corporation, Dr. Howell helped develop radiation hardened processes and devices for integrated circuits for space and weapon applications. He also designed several silicon photodetector circuits for various projects. At Sperry Flight Systems, Dr. Howell designed the fabrication facility and Class 10 cleanroom for fiber optic gyro rese arch as well as performing research on transistor processes for liquid crystal displays (LCD’s). More recently, he owned his own business developing infrared gas analyzers for EPA and OSHA compliance monitoring as well as merchant design services for electronic and optical devices. Dr. Howell enjoys spending time with his four children and three grandchildren.