Testimonial

Robert Jackson

[B.S.M.E. 1998, M.S.M.E. 2000, Ph.D. ME 2004]
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor
(Associate Professor as of 10/09)
Auburn University
Montgomery, Alabama

I was an undergraduate student at Georgia Tech and already knew of the great program and reputation that Georgia Tech has. I also applied to other programs and was accepted, but chose Georgia Tech because I felt that any move to another school was not a move up. The Tribology program at Georgia Tech also attracted me.

Georgia Tech did a great job preparing me for the academic world. I was especially impressed by the Woodruff School's teaching practicum which helped prepare students for the role of teaching, grading and mentoring. This is helped me tremendously as an assistant professor at Auburn University. I feel that this is lacking at many other institutes.

The strong research environment in the Woodruff School also showed me what it would take to succeed on my own at another research university such as Auburn University. Being surrounded by peers also interested in similar goals also allowed me grow as a researcher.

I believe that the Tribology program is one of the strongest in the United States. In addition, the large number of faculty allows you to take courses in a wide range of graduate level topics. I believe that the graduate program in the Woodruff School is very strong and rigorous. The faculty are not only experts in their fields, but very professional and willing to work with students other than those in their own research group. The excellent student body is very competitive and encourages you to also elevate yourself. The facilities are modern and very conducive for research and learning.