John Feland
Manager, Research, Synaptics

Dr. John Feland is the User Research and Concept Prototyping Manager for Synaptics Corporate. John leads a rapid response team that generates concepts and prototypes in support of the development of next generation user interface devices. While at Synaptics, he completed his Ph.D. at Stanford University where he developed novel innovation metrics that connect design efforts to corporate performance. Prior to joining Synaptics, he was a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Symyx Technologies where he transitioned innovative MEMS sensor technology into production. John served five years as an officer in the United States Air Force where he architected and managed the development of a multimillion dollar software environment to analyze infrared missile warning data while, provided advanced intelligence support to operations in Kosovo, and crafted award winning engineering design curriculum at the United States Air Force Academy. Before serving in the Air Force, John was a designer at IDEO where he designed advanced office appliances for Steelcase, bioreactors to grow artificial skin for burn victims and urinalysis equipment among other products. He received his S.B. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.