Meet Charles

This page has information about my professional background and my service as a member of the Board of Education.

Education and Certifications

Ph.D., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2002

M.B.A., Department of Business Management, North Carolina State University, 2002

B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Minors: Economics, English, History, North Carolina State University, 1996

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, 2025. Program that focuses on problem-solving and process improvement, especially in the context of projects that cut waste and make work more efficient. This includes techniques for analyzing data to find the root causes of problems, guiding teams through structured improvement methods, and implementing changes that create measurable results.

Professional Experience

2007-Present. Senior Laboratory Administrator, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University.

2003-2007 Research Associate (Postdoc), Duke University.

A link to my publications and grant funding is here: Charles Parker's Duke Scholars Profile

My work at Duke University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has two main parts: Management of the Nanomaterials and Thin Films Lab and Undergraduate Lab Manager.

Nanomaterials and Thin Films Lab. Overseeing its equipment, computing systems, personnel, safety program, and day-to-day operations. Supports research from planning through reporting, manages project timelines and budgets, maintains specialized scientific instrumentation, and mentors graduate, undergraduate, and high-school students in hands-on laboratory research. Combines technical expertise with teaching, management, and safety leadership: creating training and standard operating procedures, preparing students to work responsibly with advanced equipment and materials, and helping research teams turn ideas into well-managed projects and real results.

Undergraduate Lab Manager.

Make hands-on undergraduate engineering education possible for ECE undergraduates. I work with faculty, staff, and students to prepare and maintain teaching laboratories; develop instructional materials and courses; train users in safe equipment operation; manage technology and supplies; mentor student researchers. Active member of The American Society for Engineering Education, which dedicated to advancing engineering and engineering-technology education

Board of Education Committee Service

2025-Present School Health Advisory Committee. The Alamance-Burlington School System School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) brings together representatives from health, education, and the broader community to advise the school system on its student health program. By fostering collaboration across these perspectives, the council helps support policies, services, and school environments that promote students' physical, mental, and overall well-being.

2024-Present Alamance County Recreation and Parks Commission. Supports the county's Parks and Recreation program and helps guide its work on behalf of the community. The commission's role connects public input, responsible planning, and long-term care of county parks and recreational opportunities manages a diverse network of public parks, trails, natural areas, and river-access sites across the county.

2022-2024 Alamance-Burlington Closing the Achievement GAP. Community Organization that focuses on raising the academic achievement and increasing the social success of minority-male students to help them become productive, engaged members of society. Recent work has focused on intensive mentorship of students at Broadview Middle School.

Professional Societies

2025-Present. The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is a nonprofit community of engineering educators, students, institutions, industry, and government partners dedicated to advancing engineering and engineering-technology education.

2003-Present. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world's largest technical professional organization, bringing together engineers, computing professionals, researchers, and technology leaders to advance technology for humanity.

2002-Present. The Materials Research Society (MRS) is an interdisciplinary professional society connecting scientists and engineers who study and develop materials that enable new technologies.