Wayne Johnson

[M.S.M.E. 1999, Ph.D. ME 2004]
Assistant Professor of Engineering Studies
School of Computer
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Savannah, Georgia

There are a number of reasons I decided to do my graduate work at the Woodruff School. The first was Dr. Bill Wepfer! From the very beginning of the recruitment process I felt like he had a personal interest in me and my future. He is an incredible individual. I was offered a Sloan fellowship to come to GT, and my advisor (Dr. Ken Cunefare) did a great job of recruiting me as well. Finally, there were so many minority students already at GT and in the Woodruff School, so I felt I would have an appropriate support structure.

The Teaching Practicum course and the ASME Teaching Fellowship prepared me the most for the teaching aspects of my current job as an assistant professor. Dr. Cunefare was also a great mentor from both a research and teaching perspective. The program has a number of strengths. The people, faculty, staff, and students: I found almost everyone to be very friendly, competent, and helpful. The resources: Lab space, equipment, computing power, GT-ME had more than what I ever needed. The Woodruff School's graduate programs, faculty, student body, and the facilities are excellent.

My overall experience at GT has been excellent. Even though I took a little longer than average to finish my MS and Ph.D., I always felt supported by my advisor and GWW. From Dr. Clough, down to the staff members, GT recognizes the importance of recruiting and retaining minorities without sacrificing quality. I will not forget the incredible opportunities my experiences and education at GT has and will continue to bring me.