Testimonial

Brian S. Conklin

[MSME 1997, Ph.D. ME 2002]
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine

Going to the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering for my graduate work was an obvious choice. The name "Georgia Tech" is revered around the world, and for good reason; the faculty, students, and facilities are among the best in the world. The diversity of top-notch research projects and courses available to students in the Woodruff School also made it an easy decision; there is literally something for everyone. The beautiful city of Atlanta was a major selling point as well.

My graduate experience at the Woodruff School prepared me very well for my career. The work was very challenging but the faculty is extremely supportive and dedicated to the success of the students. The knowledge that I gained through my coursework and research has given me the tools and confidence to take on new challenges head-on. Not a day goes by that I don't use something I learned at Georgia Tech.

One of the major strengths of the Woodruff School graduate program is the people. The faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, excellent teachers, and always willing to help a student in need. Likewise, the students themselves are among the best in the world. The diversity of students in the graduate program is also a major strength: there is a lot to be learned from fellow students. The administrative staff in the Woodruff school is also extremely kind and helpful, and always go out of there way to assist the students. Another major strength of the Woodruff school is the facilities. The technical resources available are outstanding.

Anecdote

One of my fondest memories of graduate school at Tech is of having coffee breaks in the afternoons with a few graduate students and faculty, including Paul Neitzel, Mark Smith, Minami Yoda, and David Ku, in the old Coon building, when it was still an engineering building. It was during those times that I realized faculty members were people too, and had lives and interests outside of academics.