Janet Brelin Fornari
Technology Engineering Program Director
Technology Engineering (TechE), College of Engineering
Wilson Hall, 219 Wilson Rd, Room C101C
Biography
Dr. Janet Brelin-Fornari serves as the founding director of MSU Technology Engineering. Prior to joining MSU in 2023, she held various academic faculty and administrative positions, including professor of mechanical engineering, and lead groundbreaking research in pediatric mobility crash safety with an emphasis on side impact test protocols for automotive child seats and transport of lap held infants ... in commercial aviation. Prior to entering an academic career, Dr. Brelin-Fornari was a General Motors Fellow, working extensively in automotive field collision analysis and side impact restraint system integration. She holds earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering.
Read MoreEducation
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona - Tucson
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Awards
Society of Women Engineers (International) Distinguished Engineering Educator
Society of Automotive Engineering International Ralph R Teetor Educational Award (Aerospace)
Kettering University Rodes Professorship, Kettering University
Kettering University Outstanding Applied Researcher
... Read MorePublications
Brelin-Fornari, J., “Final Report on CRS Side Impact Study of Repeatability and Reproducibility Using a Deceleration Sled”. Department of Transportation Contract Number DTNH22-15-P-00125. Federal Register June 30, 2022. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/30/2022-13658/federal-motor-vehicle-safety-standards-child-restraint-systems-child-restraint-systems-side-impact
Tavakoli, M., and Brelin-Fornari, J. “Effects of Pretensioners and Load Limiters on 50th Male and 5th Female Seated in Rear Seat during a Frontal Collision” SAE Technical Paper 2015-01-1460. April 2015.
Brelin-Fornari, J. and Janca, S., "Pulse Sensitivity of a Child Restraint System, Near-Side Impact Fixture," SAE Technical Paper 2014-01-0538, 2014, doi:10.4271/2014-01-0538.
Janca, S., Shanks, K., Brelin-Fornari, J., Tangirala, R. et al., "Side Impact Testing of the Near-Side, Rear Seat Occupant Using a Deceleration Sled," SAE Technical Paper 2014-01-0547, 2014, doi:10.4271/2014-01-0547.
... Read MoreResearch and Grants
Co-PI, “Advancing Real-World Engineering Experience through TechE Labs and Indy Autonomous Co-Curricular”. Denso Foundation. 2024-2026
PI, “Repeatability and reproducibility for child seat side impact using a deceleration sled”. US Department of Transportation – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2015-2017.
Co-PI, “Small rear occupant side impact investigation using a deceleration sled”. Hyundai-Kia. 2014.
Co-PI, “Police equipment interference in oblique frontal impacts”. Department of Justice / National Institute of Justice and Michigan Technological University. 2012.
... Read More