Title: Assistant Professor of Engineering and Physics
Company: Monmouth College
Location: Champaign, Illinois, United States
Jaime R. Thissen, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Physics at Monmouth College, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Higher Education and Engineering.
Dr. Thissen, a leading engineer and educator, currently serves as an assistant professor of engineering and physics at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, a role he has held since 2024. In this capacity, he has contributed to the academic development of students in the fields of engineering and physics, drawing on over two decades of professional experience. Dr. Thissen’s commitment to education and research is reflected in his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student mentorship.
Before joining the faculty at Monmouth College, Dr. Thissen was a civil environmental engineer with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield, Illinois, from 2023 to 2024. He was responsible for advancing environmental protection initiatives and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Notably, Dr. Thissen’s work supported the agency’s mission to safeguard natural resources and public health through effective environmental management.
From 2021 to 2023, Dr. Thissen was an assistant professor at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. There, he played a pivotal role in curriculum development and research within the university’s science programs. Dr. Thissen’s efforts were instrumental in fostering an environment that encouraged scientific inquiry and the practical application of engineering principles.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Thissen spent a decade as a SURGE fellow, Sequoyah fellow, and NIOSH trainee fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, between 2013 and 2023. These fellowships provided him with opportunities to conduct advanced research on indoor agricultural facilities. Dr. Thissen’s work during this period contributed significantly to his expertise in safety protocols and sustainable engineering practices. In 2004, he served as an intern and research consultant for the United Nations Environment Programme in Washington, D.C. He also gained foundational experience as an intern with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2002.
Dr. Thissen’s academic background is distinguished by several advanced degrees that have underpinned his professional achievements. He completed a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and management with concentrations in sustainability, environmental science and alternative energy at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, followed by a master’s degree in technical systems management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in biosystems and biological engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Philosophy in agricultural and biological engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Beyond his degrees, Dr. Thissen’s commitment to safety and professional standards is demonstrated by multiple certifications. He holds a lab safety certification from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a safety certification from the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health, a 30-hour safety training from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and a SHARP safety certification from the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thissen has maintained active membership in several prominent industry organizations, including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the International Society for Safety and Health, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America. He is also recognized as the chair emeritus of the ES-210 renewable power generation committee for the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Thissen has demonstrated leadership within civic organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity.
Looking ahead, Dr. Thissen aims to advance multiple projects that will train students to transition from the information age to the space age. His ongoing collaboration with NASA underscores his commitment to developing technologies with applications for future missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Dr. Thissen:
