Dr. Mark W. Muller

• Position: Assistant Professor
• Department: Mechanical Engineering
• Office Location: Building 4, Room 326
• mmuller@uwf.edu
• Campus: 8504743021

Biography

Mark W. Muller, Ph.D. is a faculty member in mechanical engineering at the University of West Florida, where he brings extensive experience in teaching, research, and applied engineering practice. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawai‘i and holds a master’s degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia. His academic background is complemented by graduate certificates in Higher Education Leadership and Management and Coastal Engineering.

Dr. Muller teaches a broad range of undergraduate engineering courses, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and Introduction to Flight. A FAA-certified commercial pilot with single- and multi-engine land and sea ratings, he integrates real-world aviation experience into the classroom, emphasizing applied aerodynamics, systems thinking, and the practical application of engineering fundamentals. His teaching approach reflects UWF’s commitment to high-impact, hands-on learning and close faculty-student mentorship.

Dr. Muller is part of UWF’s Watercraft and Vessel Engineering (WAVE) Program, a new initiative launched in partnership with American Magic (New York Yacht Club). The WAVE Program brings together UWF faculty and students with industry engineers and scientists to advance research, enhance workforce development, and support the growing watercraft and maritime technology sector in Northwest Florida. Through this partnership, Dr. Muller contributes to applied research and experiential learning opportunities focused on vessel design, hydrodynamics, and performance.

His research interests include hydrodynamics, coastal and ocean engineering, acoustics, and aerodynamics. He has published in journals such as Ocean & Coastal Management and the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, and his scholarly work frequently incorporates undergraduate students as active research collaborators.

Dr. Muller is deeply committed to community-engaged engineering education. He has led undergraduate engineering projects supporting an adaptive physical education program, where students designed and developed devices to increase access to physical activity for individuals with significant disabilities. He has also directed animal enrichment and habitat enhancement engineering projects in partnership with a local zoo, providing students with opportunities to apply engineering design to real-world challenges while serving community partners.

In addition to his academic and aviation background, Dr. Muller has extensive professional experience as an ocean lifeguard and beach patrol officer, including leadership roles in coastal rescue and safety training. This experience informs his teaching and research related to coastal processes, surf-zone hazards, and public safety, reinforcing UWF’s mission of regional engagement and applied impact.

Degrees & Institutions

• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai'i
• M.E. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia
• B.S. Physics, James Madison University

Special Interests

Muller is an avid surfer and devoted family man.

Publications

Muller, M.W., “Beach replenishment and surf-zone injuries along the coast of Delmarva, USA,” Ocean & Coastal Management, vol. 151, no. 1, 2018, pp. 127-133.

Muller, M.W., “Frequency and Energy Difference Detection of Dolphin Biosonar Signals Using a Decomposition Algorithm,” Open Journal of Acoustics, vol. 6, 2016, pp. 1-12.

Muller, M.W., Rue, Z. and Hiebler, K., “Investigation of the Potential Use of Tidal Current Turbines in the Ocean City, Maryland Inlet for Renewable Energy Generation,” Smart Grid and Renewable Energy, vol. 7, 2016, pp. 142-146.

Ibsen, S., Muller, M.W., Au, W.W.L., Nachtigall, P.E., and Breese, M., “Discrimination of phase-altered targets by an echolocating Atlantic bottlenose dolphin,” Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 133, no. 2, 2013, pp. 1135-1140.

Muller, M.W., “Acoustic modeling, phantom echolocation experiments, and time-frequency analysis of dolphin sonar for the improvement of technological sonar systems,” Doctoral Dissertation, University of Hawai‘i, 2008.

Muller, M.W., Allen, J.S., Au, W.W.L. and Nachtigall, P.E, “Time-frequency analysis and modeling of the backscatter of categorized dolphin echolocation clicks for target discrimination,” Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 124, no. 1, 2008, pp. 657- 666.

Muller, M.W., Au, W.W.L., Nachtigall P.E., Allen, J.S., and Breese, M., “Phantom echo highlight amplitude and temporal difference resolutions of an echolocating dolphin, Tursiops truncates,” Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 122, no. 4, 2007, pp. 2255- 2262.