Philip R. O'Leary, Ph.D., P.E.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
709 Extension Building
432 N. Lake St.
Madison, WI 53706
oleary@engr.wisc.edu
608-262-0493

Dr. Phil O’Leary directs the technical outreach program for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  In this capacity he oversees the delivery of over 400 continuing education courses each year in a wide range of technical specialties. The program, which serves a national audience, delivers training at multiple locations throughout the U.S. and also over the internet. Dr. O’Leary has been Department Chairman since July 1995. Recent accomplishments of Engineering Professional Development include the creation of three internet delivered masters degrees in engineering. These degree programs in Professional Practice, Engine Systems and Technical Japanese have attracted students from a wide range of companies and agencies and have been recognized by several national awards.

Dr. O’Leary’s area of professional interest is solid waste management, hazardous waste control, groundwater quality protection, and related environmental topics. In this capacity he organizes training programs for practicing professionals. His landfill design seminar has literally been attended by thousands of people who are now responsible for developing, permitting and operating landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada. Most recently he has been working to improve solid waste management practices in Hungary, Poland, Finland, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, Spain, and Brazil. In 1991, he was co-founder of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center at the University of Wisconsin. Since 1998 he has directed the Camp Badger Engineering Summer Program which brings 160 middle school students to campus for a one-week engineering enrichment program.