Dr. Ted Steinberg holds a Doctor of Philosophy from New Mexico State University (NMSU), having instructed at the undergraduate level as an engineering professor for NMSU from 1982-1989.

He was a principal scientist with Lockheed at NASA White Sands Test Facility for nine years and conducted the first metals combustion experiments in reduced gravity. During this time, Dr. Steinberg was an adjunct professor at NMSU as well as at the Center for Combustion Research, University of Colorado at Boulder.

From there he joined the University of Queensland (UQ; Brisbane, Australia) where, from 1993 to 2005, he designed, implemented, and taught courses within the Department of Engineering’s new Space Engineering Degree. Within this program, he mentored students and established himself as a senior lecturer and project leader.

While at UQ, Dr. Steinberg continued to work with NASA White Sands Test Facility and oversaw multiple research projects and experiments, including the creation of a new zero-gravity research facility (one of five in the world at that time), numerous metals combustion research projects, and continued to work in flammability and sensitivity of materials in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. 

Since 2005, Dr. Steinberg has been at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT; Brisbane, Australia) as Professor, Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, with major disciplines of materials engineering, interdisciplinary engineering, and mechanical engineering. His teaching areas include thermal sciences, physics, heat transfer, experimental methods, and combustion. He also leads a large research program in solar thermal power generation. 

Dr. Steinberg has established himself as an expert in oxygen systems, including all aspects from design, hazard analysis, root cause analysis, cleaning, cleaning validation, and more. His expertise also includes solar thermal energy systems, combustion and heat transfer, materials compatibility, microgravity science technology and experimentation, and nanomaterials. He has received numerous awards and recognition, including:

• the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative grant
• several NASA citations (performing the first microgravity metals combustion experiments, certificate of recognition for Pioneering microgravity combustion tests of metals, and leading the effort to develop a model of heterogenous combustion of metals in oxygen, Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of your dedication, commitment to excellence, and achievements in support of the Space Shuttle Program)
• numerous teaching excellence awards
• ASTM awards (2011 Professor of the year award, 2016 Charles P. Dudley Medal for Publication) and
• Royal Australian Air Force Excellence Award, Category 1: Prevention-Member of Physiological Episode Action Team (PEAT), Air Combat and Electronic Attack Systems Program Office presented by Chief of Air Force

His professional memberships include ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/Committee G4, Standards Australia, Institute of Engineers Australia (Fellow), and ELGRA (European Low Gravity Research Association). He is the current Research Committee Lead and symposium chairman for ASTM G4 where he has organized and run the last 8 symposia and been lead editor on the associated 8 Special Technical Publications from these events. 

Dr. Steinberg’s work with WHA goes back to the 1980s and has included training and engineering consultancy with our Failure and Hazard Analysis teams and with our technical Training services.