Meet the Faculty

Richard LacelleRichard Lacelle – Professor

Richard graduated from the Mechanical Engineering – Toolmaking program at Algonquin College, in 1981. Afterwards, he served his apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker with the Department of National Defense. During his apprenticeship, he worked with some very advanced prototype electronics, vehicle and weapons systems for the Canadian Armed Forces.

In 1989, he joined Algonquin College to teach in the Toolmaking department. He has taught every course within the Mechanical Technician – Toolmaking program as well as the apprenticeship training programs. During his summer vacations, he continues his work in the industry in various capacities as a Toolmaker or Mechanical Designer.

In 1999, he was contacted by several high tech companies and decided to jump back into industry as a Senior Aerospace Mechanical Designer with EMS Technologies. He has designed many components and mechanical systems for the International Space Station, many active satellites including; Genesis, SciSat1, Mars probes and many satellite-based Search and Rescue systems. The work was very interesting to Richard, but when the opportunity to arose to rejoin Algonquin College again he came back to teaching.

Richard loves teaching and considers it his calling. He welcomes all who are considering a career in any of the machining trades.

To contact Richard, please email him at lacellr@algonquincollege.com .

Wayne PalomboWayne Palombo – Professor

Wayne Palombo is a Computer Numerical Control Professor at Algonquin College, who brings an array of skills to the 2-year Manufacturing Engineering Technician program. With experiences in managing medical device machine shops to aerospace machine shops, he brings a broad range of knowledge to the students and program.

Wayne has sat on the Algonquin College advisory board for over 6 years now. During this time period, he has assisted the College in the acquisition and implementation of new equipment and software, including redesigning of course curriculum to reflect the ever-changing needs and demands of the manufacturing industry.

Over the years in the industry, Wayne has sponsored many Toolmaking Graduates to go on to become licensed/certified Toolmakers. Wayne himself is a graduate of the two-year Mechanical Technician-Toolmaking program here at Algonquin College.

Wayne’s industry experience has brought him full circle back to Algonquin College, where he believes the teaching of his first love of CNC machining to be his true calling.

Wayne still volunteers as a consultant to many aerospace corporations in Canada as a technical advisor. With knowledge as a CNC programmer for 3,4 and 5 axis Milling Machining Centers as well as CNC Lathes, Wayne has a compendium of knowledge and enthusiasm that he brings to share with the Manufacturing Engineering Technician and Mechanical Technician-Toolmaking programs and students alike.

To contact Wayne, please email him at palombw@algonquincollege.com.