Welcome to the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab (NTTL) Director search process. The NTTL is integral to our mission of advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring global excellence. We are excited to introduce four outstanding candidates for this vital leadership role. We encourage you to participate in this process by attending the candidate seminars, which will be held in person at 219 Chase Hall or virtually via Zoom. Below, you’ll find their bios, the interview schedule, and links to participate in their seminars and provide feedback.
Meet the Candidates
Eric Smith
Eric Smith, P.E., brings 30 years of experience in agricultural equipment engineering, including roles at John Deere and New Holland. He has been a key contributor to global regulations and standards development through his work with the OECD Tractor Codes. A licensed professional engineer, Eric holds degrees in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. His vision focuses on maintaining NTTL’s legacy while driving innovation and collaboration.
Interview Schedule and Candidate Seminar
Tuesday, January 21: Eric Smith
Seminar: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Jeffery Brown
Jeffery Brown has 25 years of engineering experience with John Deere, where he has led global teams in product safety, compliance, and standards for agricultural tractors. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State University. Jeffrey’s approach emphasizes leveraging industry insights to enhance student learning, foster collaboration, and address emerging challenges in agricultural engineering.
Interview Schedule and Candidate Seminar
Wednesday, January 22: Jeffery Brown
Seminar: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Edwin Brokesh
Dr. Edwin Brokesh, P.E., is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University with expertise in agricultural equipment design, extension engineering, and teaching. A licensed professional engineer with a Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, he has extensive experience in industry and academia, including leading senior design projects that solve real-world problems. Edwin is passionate about safety, innovation, and bridging the gap between research and practical application.
Interview Schedule and Candidate Seminar
Thursday, January 23: Edwin Brokesh
Seminar: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
John Evans
Dr. John Evans is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University specializing in agricultural machine systems, automation, and logistics optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where his research focused on harvest logistics modeling. A recognized early-career teacher, John combines cutting-edge research with a strong commitment to mentoring students and advancing agricultural technology.
Interview Schedule and Candidate Seminar
Friday, January 24: John Evans
Seminar: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Kindly Share Your Feedback
Your insights are invaluable to this process, and we look forward to your participation. For any questions or further details, please contact our search committee chairs, Joe Luck (jluck2@unl.edu) and Santosh Pitla (spitla2@unl.edu).
Job Posting
https://employment.unl.edu/postings/94417