He taught mechanical engineering at Valparaiso University for 2 ½ years, worked in industry for 5 years, and also has a M.S. in counseling and educational psychology from the University of Kansas. Dr. Malicky's research interests are in biomechanics, guitar acoustics and mechanics, silicone coatings, and engineering education. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan with a dissertation that placed 1st in the ASME Bioengineering Division's Ph.D. Student Paper Competition.