College of Science, Engineering and Technology Faculty

Dr. Janet Brelin-Fornari is the Associate Dean of Engineering in the College of Science Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University. Prior to joining GCU, she was with Kettering University in Flint, MI (formerly known as General Motors Institute) for over 20 years, attainting the rank of full professor in mechanical engineering and serving as the director of both the Center for Integrated Learning Experiences and the Crash Safety Center. Dr. Brelin-Fornari taught courses in dynamic systems and controls, oversaw the day-to-day operations of the centers and conducted extensive research in pediatric crash safety. Her research partnered with both government and industry organizations including but not limited to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Dorel Juvenile Group, ZF (TRW), National Science Foundation (NSF) and TARDEC Army Research Center.

Prior to her academic experience, Dr. Brelin-Fornari worked at General Motors Corporation (GM) for 16 years. She has extensive experience in analysis of field collisions, testifying in U.S. Courts of Law and depositions on behalf of GM in product liability lawsuits. She was awarded a General Motors Fellowship to obtain her PhD and subsequently conduct research, design and test for first generation side impact airbags. Dr. Brelin-Fornari earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska, Master of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Arizona. She is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Michigan.

Dr. Heather Monthie is an Associate Dean and Associate Professor in the College of Science Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. She has over 20 years of experience in IT and Technology Education. Dr. Monthie has a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Lakeland College in Kohler, WI; a Master's in Teaching with a Computer Science emphasis from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI; and a Ph.D. in Information Technology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN.

Dr. Monthie served a two-year term from 2016-2018 as the co-chair for the collegiate sub-group of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). She also serves on the Arizona Cybersecurity Team (ACT) created under an Executive Order from Arizona’s Governor Doug Ducey. Dr. Monthie is also member of the Executive Council of CompTIA, a leading professional certification trade association for the IT industry. Dr. Monthie is also an FAA Certificated Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor. Combining her passions of technology, education, and aviation, Dr. Monthie’s current research interests are in the cyber threats of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as integrating UAS in STEM education.

Dr. Richard Mulski is the Assistant Dean of Engineering in the College of Science Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University. He has over 20 years of engineering industry experience in aerospace and manufacturing organizations, developing specialized knowledge in each respective industry. The companies he has worked for include United Technologies, The Boeing Company, Dassault Systèmes, RAND Worldwide and Chromalloy Research & Technology. He has also served for over 12 years in academia as an Instructor and Department Chair at Delaware Technical Community College, overseeing engineering programs. He also has experience teaching high school students with pre-engineering curriculum. Dr. Mulski received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the State University of New York, his Master’s in Business Administration from Goldey-Beacom College and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware.