Michael Hays was raised in Tampa, Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in 2009. He spent the next four years completing his Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. Billy Oates, specializing in active materials and structures.
After graduation Hays and his family moved to Columbus, Indiana to work for Cummins, Inc. as a Materials Engineer in their Corporate Materials Research and Technology group. While in this role, Hays advanced the company’s involvement in non-destructive research, tribological experimentation and polymer testing by founding the Advanced Materials Evaluation Lab. This work led to several projects and collaborations with universities and national labs.
As a research engineer, Hays has initiated multiple university collaborations with FSU including successful programs such as next generation nozzles for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection and applying Quantum Computing for optimizing SOFC fuel cells. His new role as Advanced Engineering Electrification Integration Group Leader has given him responsibilities for development and testing of next generation electric machine systems of on-highway applications and stationary power generation systems.
Hays is an avid racing enthusiast and has been a part of Cummins adventures in NHRA Top Fuel racing as well as SCORE Off Road Endurance such as the Baja 1000. He lives with his wife Lori and their two children.
In April 2018, Hays was recognized as a Rising Star Alumni by the College’s mechanical engineering department.