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Nebraska tractor test lab gets new directorNebraska The University of Nebraska Lincoln's internationally known Nebraska Tractor Test Lab is getting a new director. Roger M. Hoy, a staff engineer with the John Deere Product Engineering Center in Waterloo, Iowa, will assume leadership of the lab, which tests tractors to make certain manufacturers' claims are met. Hoy replaces Leonard Bashford, who is retiring. Ron Yoder, head of UNL's biological systems engineering department, said, "We are pleased that UNL successfully attracted an individual with Dr. Hoy's experience to fill the director position. In recent years, Dr. Bashford has broadened the areas of testing by the lab--for example, testing construction equipment and alternative fuels--and we know that Roger will continue to strengthen the testing and research that is done at the lab." Yoder noted that Hoy is involved in national organizations such as the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the International Organization for Standardization. He's also recognized internationally as an expert in roll-over protection structures and has broad experience as a project manager. "He has an excellent background to take on the challenges of directing the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab," Yoder said. "The lab works closely with students with an interest in machine design and testing and Roger's expertise and experience will be an asset for classroom instruction and for advising student research or design projects. "We are certain this hire will continue to foster the strong relationship that has developed between the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab and our industry partners," Yoder added. Hoy has been with John Deere since 1999. He also spent four years as manager of product development at Hennessy Industries Inc. and four years as development manager at Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Co. Hoy earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Georgia and his master's and doctorate degrees in ag engineering from North Carolina State University. Hoy will begin working part-time at the lab this summer, joining the university full-time this fall. In addition to serving as the lab's director, Hoy also will conduct research, work on standards development and teach and mentor students. The Nebraska Tractor Test Lab was founded in 1920, spurred by state legislation that required any tractor sold in Nebraska be tested to make sure it met its maker's claims. The lab's importance grew as tractors made in other countries also began to be tested there. In the 1980s, the lab became an official testing station for the Paris-based international Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, increasing the lab's prominence. This spring, the lab distributed performance reports for 84 tractor models--23 of them tested at UNL during 2005, with the others tested at other OECD stations. The Nebraska Tractor Test Lab is part of the university's Department of Biological Systems Engineering, in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Date: 7/27/06
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