I am Dr. Duncan W. Gibbons, a research engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focused on improving advanced manufacturing and complex systems. My research leverages industrial, systems, and materials engineering principles to develop and industrialize new approaches for designing and developing such complex engineering systems. I utilize information models through data-driven approaches that aim at improving efficiencies and reducing costs associated with traditional online testing and development.

Outside my research, you can find me playing and watching sports, especially football, cricket, baseball, and rugby, or wandering around the city or hiking in the woods. I enjoy traveling to new and unique places and try to get to a new place whenever I get the chance. I am passionate about cooking, learning new cuisines, woodworking, and learning new skills. I combine these passions by volunteering at the local tool library.

Research Focus

My academic interests include additive and advanced manufacturing processes, aerospace production, model-based systems engineering, quality management, and digital engineering technologies. My current research projects address the following topics:

• Smart and model-based manufacturing system controls.

• Design to manufacturing information knowledge transfer.

• Advanced manufacturing system definition and modeling.

• Quality management and cybersecurity controls for additive manufacturing.

• Development and industrialization of manufacturing digital twin models.

• Novel qualification and certification approach for products in critical industries.

Background

I have a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. For my doctoral research, I developed a model-based production systems engineering approach that was implemented to aid the qualification and certification of metal additive manufacturing systems for aerospace applications. I completed my undergraduate studies in Industrial Engineering at the same university with a focus on production technologies, processes, and engineering systems. I have assisted undergraduate courses and supervised student projects on topics including Industrial Practice, Industrial Ergonomics, Production Management, Manufacturing Processes, and Manufacturing Systems. 

In addition to my academic research, I have experience working in the manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality industries. I have also consulted on the development and implementation of a quality management system for an advanced manufacturing company, an enterprise resource planning system for a textiles company, and supply chain analytics for an online retailer.

Industrial & Academic Development

I aim to improve industry through actively developing international standards. I am the South African representative for ISO/TC 184, which develops standards for automation systems and integration. I have helped with the development and balloting of various advanced manufacturing and information modeling standards for ISO, ASTM International, and SAE International. In addition to standards development, I am an active reviewer for international journals and conferences, including Progress in Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping Journal, SAE Aerospace Journal, IMECE, RAPDASA, Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, and SAIIE. I also examine postgraduate theses and supervise students.