James Lambert, 2021

James Lambert has been instrumental in building the infrastructure, staff, technology, and expertise in the AOE machine shop over the last 15 years. His skill and leadership has also played a major part in the success of the Stability Wind Tunnel and its international prominence.

When Lambert joined the department in 2003, the machine shop was quite basic. There were no computers, no email, no CNC, and not much precision work was being executed. Even the work order system was all done on paper.

Lambert had a vision to bring the shop into the 21st century, and began by hiring skilled staff, and bringing in new technology from computers to CAD to CNC to rapid prototyping.

Mr. Lambert was nominated by faculty member William Devenport. He stated, “James is an extraordinarily skilled machinist himself, and during those early years he quietly built a reputation for outstanding work. That reputation earned him promotion to shop supervisor in 2009. James’ first hire was Scott Patrick who himself has had a transformative impact on the department’s research fabrication capabilities. James is an unselfish and untiring advocate for his staff, and with his managerial skills he has built a loyal and dedicated team of experts.”