J. Carver Middleton

J. Carver Middleton is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) at Mississippi State University. His teaching and professional interests include advanced manufacturing, robotics & automation, human factors, wearable technologies, product development, and experiential learning that connects engineering theory with industrial practice.

Prior to joining ISE, Middleton served in engineering and program leadership roles supporting manufacturing innovation, applied research, technology commercialization, and workforce development initiatives. He has led or contributed to sponsored projects totaling more than $8 million focused on manufacturing education, automation technologies, workforce development, and product innovation. His experience includes developing industry-aligned curricula, advanced training laboratories, and educational pathways that prepare students and working professionals for careers in modern manufacturing.

Middleton's research and development experience spans wearable sensing systems, biomechanical measurement, human performance technologies, industrial automation, and manufacturing innovation. He has authored and co-authored 10 peer-reviewed journal articles and 6 conference publications in areas including gait analysis, wearable systems, sensor validation, soft robotic sensing technologies, and human movement assessment. His work has appeared in journals such as Biomechanics, IEEE Access, Sensors, Electronics, and Wearable Technologies.

Middleton's entrepreneurial experience centers on product design, manufacturing innovation, and technology commercialization. He is a named inventor on 4 patented technologies and has led commercialization activities spanning concept development, prototyping, validation, and manufacturing planning. As a startup founder and technology leader, he helped secure more than $135,000 in early-stage investment, while advancing new products through NSF I-Corps and startup accelerator programs. His current interests include product design, intellectual property development, advanced manufacturing methods, technology commercialization, and translating engineering innovations into market-ready solutions.