Javad Mokhbery, BSME’79
Javad Mokhbery, a native of Iran, left his home country and made his way to Lawrence Tech in 1974. Arriving in America with less than $350 in his pocket, he worked his way through school as an ice cream truck driver in Detroit. After graduating from LTU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, he worked for sensor companies in Detroit and California.
Mokhbery built a career as a whiz-kid problem solver for tech giants like Rockwell International before starting his own business in 1988, FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc. FUTEK – which comes from Future Technology – was built in Mokhbery’s onebedroom apartment in Irvine, Calif. while he was working as an engineer at Rockwell, designing instruments for NASA space shuttles.
Sensors made by FUTEK are used in a variety of applications in the medical, aerospace, and automation industries. Mokhbery and FUTEK developed two sensors for the robotic arm of Curiosity, the NASA Mars rover, used to take core samples during its historic mission. FUTEK went above and beyond to create a highly reliable and enduring custom solution per NASA JPL requirements. The company also worked with NASA on several other key projects.
FUTEK’s advanced embedded instrumentation has also made the company a leading single-source supplier for the med-tech sector, as well as industries with advanced high-precision automated assembly. Mokhbery has dedicated his life and career to being a committed leader, setting a positive example and showing that the American dream is achievable to anyone.
Harvey Ferrero, BSArE’55
Harvey Ferrero, RA, has been affiliated with Lawrence Technological University since 1951 when he enrolled as a freshman. He graduated from Lawrence Tech in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering.
He was going to work with Alden B. Dow, an architect in Midland, Mich., but Ferrero was drafted in 1956 before he could take the position. Upon returning to Detroit in 1960, he worked for various architecture firms but was inspired to create freelance architectural renderings. He worked with the firm now known as Tozai Architecture + Interiors until he got his architectural license in 1962 and began teaching as an adjunct professor at LTU.
He entered private practice in 1969, focusing primarily on architectural illustrations and residential projects. His clientele has consisted of many local and national firms. Ferrero’s breakthrough project was the Max Klein office building in Southfield, completed in 1984. The project earned an AIA Detroit award that year.
Ferrero has lectured before professional organizations and universities throughout the country. His drawings have been published in eight books, and his projects have been featured in several architectural journals. Ferrero’s greatest joy has been helping students develop their individual creativity, and he treasures the relationship developed with architecture colleagues.
Kenneth Grezlik, BSME’78
After earning an Associate Degree in Metallurgy from Henry Ford Community College, Ken Grezlik transferred his credits to graduate from Lawrence Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1978. He attended LTU completely in the evening while working for General Motors during the day. His distinguished career included prominent positions at Detroit Diesel, TRW, and Johnson Controls where he retired as the Quality Director.
In 2007 he formed Grezlik International, LLC, a consulting company specializing in quality manufacturing and controls for metal products.
He holds several certifications with the American Society of Quality, including Certified Quality Engineer, Auditor and Manager. He was trained in Six Sigma as Champion, Black Belt Technical Support, and Green Belt. He was a Certified Program Instructor with Kepner-Tregoe.
Grezlik is a senior member of the American Society of Quality, was chairman of the Detroit Chapter of the American Society for Metals, and served on the chapter’s executive committee for 20 years. He also holds a master’s degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Michigan University.
Grezlik and his wife, Margaret, are avid supporters of Blue Devil Motorsports, volunteering with the Formula SAE team at local and national competitions. The Grezliks contribute financially to help the teams purchase such critical items as a new Motorsports trailer. They also established the Kenneth and Margaret Grezlik Endowed Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering in 2008 to help students succeed academically.