Christopher A. Brown is a professor of mechanical engineering and the director of the surface metrology lab at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Brown has published more than a hundred articles on design, surfaces, and surface metrology, and has patents on a fractal method for characterizing surface textures and for friction testing. He also develops software for topographical analysis. He teaches surface metrology, the technology of Alpine skiing, and axiomatic design. Axiomatic design is a functional-based systematic approach to design that reduces development time and improves results. Brown’s work on skiing and snowboarding helps to reduce injuries and improve performance.