Testimonial

Brad Miller

[M.S.M.E. 1996, Ph.D. ME 2000]
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Missouri
Rolla, Missouri

I was attending Auburn University for my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, and I asked around the faculty there about universities within the US with superior reputations. Georgia Tech was mentioned on several people's lists. The choice came down to Purdue and Georgia Tech. After visiting both campuses, I chose Georgia Tech because I felt they were more interested in me. I also went to Georgia Tech without a primary advisor; I simply knew the research field in which I was interested. Georgia Tech offered me an opportunity to interview with several faculty before I had to decide with which faculty and project to work. During the interview process, I found a project that matched my research interests and an advisor with whom I worked and meshed well personally.

The experience in the graduate program at Georgia Tech has helped me considerably as I have started my career as an assistant professor at the University of Missouri - Rolla. I participated in several opportunities offered by the Woodruff School, such the teaching practicum, intended for students interested in going into academia. Also, my thesis advisor, Dr. Itzhak Green, tailored my program to emphasize the elements that were more important for a career as a professor.

One of the biggest strengths of the ME program at Georgia Tech is the large size of the department. With such a large and diverse department, the faculty offer knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of new specialty research areas. Other strengths of Georgia Tech include its location in the city of Atlanta and the diversity of the student body.

I believe, and I have heard several other people comment, that the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering is one of the top five ME programs in the nation. A degree from Georgia Tech gives you instant credibility among any academic or industrial circle. The faculty are excellent scholars and mentors! The majority of faculty the were eager to offer their assistance in many ways from helping me with small hurdles during my thesis research to helping me eventually get a job. I am fortunate to consider several of the faculty in the Tribology group to be very good, personal friends.