Meet the Team
Mike Lochte
Executive Director
Engine Lubricants Research
michael.lochte@swri.orgWork: (210)522-5430
Cell: (210)213-5464
Mike has been with SwRI since 1990 At SwRI, Lochte began his career as the project engineer for the tractor lab. He also worked to support gear lube, ATF tests, and industrial hydraulic fluid tests. Later he was involved in our fuel and fleet testing activity, and in 2014 moved to lead the Engine Lubricants Research Department. Lochte enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. His hobbies are ranching, fishing, and DIY projects.
Pat Lang
Manager
Engine Lubricants Research
Gasoline Engine Lubricant Testing
patrick.lang@swri.orgWork: (210)522-2820
Patrick Lang joined SwRI in 1991 as a project engineer in the gasoline engine crankcase lubricants evaluation section. He was involved with running many of the various standardized tests and participated in the development of several API and ILSAC engine oil specifications to include ILSAC GF-1 through GF-6 and API SH to SP. Lang is now the manager that oversees all of the passenger car motor oil tests for the GF-6 and API SP specifications along with other bespoke lubricant testing.
Robert Warden
Manager
Engine Lubricants Research
Diesel Engine Lubricant Testing
robert.warden@swri.orgWork: (210)522-5621
Robert Warden has been with SwRI since 2009. Early career activities focused on supporting military alternative fuels and powertrain lubricant developments. At the onset of PC-11, he transitioned to supporting development activities for the Volvo T-13 Oxidation Test and took on oversite of a variety of ASTM and OEM engine test procedures. He later becoming the manager of the section in 2019. Free time is spent attempting (with mixed success) to corral his two young children with his wife, Rebecca.
Matt Jackson
Executive Director
Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research
matt.jackson@swri.orgWork: (210)522-6981
Cell: (210)286-1248
Matt has been with SwRI since 1995 and has experience with Tractor and Industrial Hydraulic Fluids, Automatic Transmission Fluids, and Gear Oils, along with Fuel and Fleet performance testing. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he and his wife Lisa enjoy spending time with their two children and supporting them wherever their sporting endeavors take them.
Michael T Charron
Assistant Manager
Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research
michael.charron@swri.orgWork: (210)522-6632
Michael Charron joined SwRI in 2016 as a project engineer in the Fleet and Fuel Performance section, where he conducted chassis dynamometer, engine dynamometer, and on-road vehicle testing. Michael graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and from Texas A&M University – San Antonio with an MBA. Today, he oversees operations of SwRI’s Advanced Drivetrain Lubricants section. He has with experience with testing and analysis of both fuels and lubricants ranging from gear oils and transmission fluids to hydraulic oils and EV drive lubricants. Outside of SwRI, Michael enjoys automotive endurance racing with his family and friends.
Jim McCord
Manager
Fuels and Driveline Lubricants Research
Fuel and Fleet Testing
Vehicle-based On Road and Chassis Dyno Testing, Fuels Performance Testing
james.mccord@swri.orgWork: (210)522-3439
Jim is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and has been with SwRI since 1987. He has experience with crankcase lubricant testing (degradation, wear, and deposit formation), standardized test development, fuel performance testing, and chassis dynamometer vehicle testing. Outside the office, he enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and camping with his wife and son.
Scott Hutzler
Director
Fuels and Lubricants Technology
scott.hutzler@swri.orgWork: (210)522-6978
Cell: (210)275-5894
Scott started his career with SwRI in 1994 and is currently the Director of the Fuels and Lubricants Technology Department. He has spent most of his career supporting F&L activities for the military related to fuel logistics and advanced analytical analysis with particular emphasis toward alternative aviation fuels. He holds advanced degrees in Chemistry and Computer Engineering. Away from the office, Scott enjoys gardening, cooking, fishing, and boats that go too fast.
Larry Hollingsworth
Larry joined SwRI in 1996 as a Research Engineer in the Engine, Emissions, and Vehicle Research Division (now titled Powertrain Engineering). His experience includes transmission testing, fuel delivery system testing, liquid and air filtration, test system data acquisition and control, as well as structural dynamics and vibrations. He has a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Away from SwRI, Larry enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors.
Kevin Shannon
Kevin has been with SwRI since 1991 upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in Chemistry. He also earned an M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1994. Over the course of his career at the Institute, Kevin has gained experience with a variety of chemical instrumental analyses, accelerated exposure using mixed flowing corrosive gases, and automotive air intake filtration tests. He currently manages the U.S. Army Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility. In this capacity, he oversees the chemistry and engine laboratories as well as a bulk fuel research site on the SwRI campus. These areas cover evaluations of fuels and lubricants, material compatibility, contamination and debris analysis, coolants, first article testing of military specification fuel-handling equipment, and liquefied petroleum gases. His pursuits away from the office include fitness training, touring and sightseeing, cultural and military history, and sharing good food and drink with his family and friends.
Robert Legg
Robert began his career at SwRI in 1988 as a laboratory technician working in the Octane/Cetane laboratory. After receiving his BS in Physics in 1995, he oversaw the Chemistry laboratory’s quality system. He also served as Manager of the Fuels Analysis Laboratory before becoming the Department Director. He is well versed in both fuels and lubricant analytical testing and test development. When he is not at work, he likes to travel and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
YongLi Q McFarland
Yong-Li McFarland started at SwRI in 2012 as a scientist in the lubricants analytical lab where she developed client relationships, managed custom requests, and supported lab testing. She graduated with her BS in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and has experience in cosmetics formulation, market research, and project management. At SwRI, she manages the operations for the lubricants analytical testing lab including personnel, equipment, and processes. Versed in Chinese, Yong-Li enjoys spending time with her husband Jason and two boys, traveling, making crafts, playing pickleball, and spending time in nature.
Michelle Ratchford
Manager
Petroleum Products Research
Fuel Survey Projects
michelle.ratchford@swri.orgWork: (210)522-2986
Michelle is the Manager of Fuel Analysis and Compliance Surveys group. She has been with SwRI since 1984 and has experience conducting and managing fuel surveys and analytical fuels testing in the laboratory. A graduate of University of Texas at San Antonio, mother of two children and enjoying life as an empty nester.