About our authors Jim Halderman brings a world of experience, knowledge and talent to his work. His automotive service experience includes working as a flat-rate technician, a business owner and a professor of automotive technology at a leading US community college for over 20 years.He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and a master's degree in Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Jim also holds a US Patent for an electronic transmission control device. He is an ASE-certified Master Automotive Technician and Advanced Engine Performance (L1) ASE certified. Jim is the author of many automotive textbooks all published by Pearson.Jim has presented numerous technical seminars to national audiences, including the California Automotive Teachers (CAT) and the Illinois College Automotive Instructor Association (ICAIA). He is also a member and presenter at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). Jim was also named Regional Teacher of the Year by General Motors Corporation and is a member of the advisory board for the Technological Studies department at Ohio Northern University.Curt Ward brings a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge to his work. Curt is an automotive professor at Joliet Junior College and serves as a visiting automotive instructor at Southern Illinois University. Previously he was an adjunct professor at other area community colleges. Before his work at the college, Curt worked as a technical training instructor for the Chrysler Corporation for 15 years. Prior to his years at Chrysler, he worked as a technician, shop foreman and service manager in the retail sector of the automotive industry for 13 years. During this time Curt became a Chrysler Master Technician.Curt has an Associates of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology from Southern Illinois University. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Organizational Communications from North Central College. He earned his master's degree in Adult Education at the University of Phoenix. Curt holds the following ASE certifications: ASE Master Automotive Technician, Automobile Advanced Engine performance “L1”, Alternate Fuels Technician “F1”, Light Vehicle Diesel Engines “A9”, and Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair “G1”.Curt has presented technical seminars at numerous conferences around the country. He has presented for the Illinois College Automotive Instructor Association (ICAIA), the California Automotive Teachers (CAT), and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT).Curt is an active member in the Illinois Automotive Instructor Association (ICAIA) and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). He has served as the Secretary and the President of the NACAT organization and was the Conference Host for the 2015 NACAT Conference. In 2015 Curt was named the NACAT MVP award winner for his outstanding contribution to the NACAT organization.
