A professor of systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo and Canada Research Chair in System Dynamics, Dr. John McPhee has devoted his career to studying things that move—researching the modelling, control, simulation and design of dynamic physical systems.
The impact of Dr. McPhee’s research has been influential. He pioneered the use of linear graph theory and symbolic computing to model dynamic systems, providing a powerful systems-level design methodology that allows engineers to model and simulate the impact of individual components on overall performance of multi-domain systems (such as hybrid electric vehicles) within a single design package. His research algorithms have been commercialized by Canadian engineering software firm Maplesoft and are a core component of its MapleSim modelling software, which is used by companies across the globe, including major automotive companies such as Toyota and Ford, as well as NASA JPL, MOOG and Canon, to name a few.