Welcome Graduate Students.
I’m pleased that you’ve chosen to attend the University of Kansas School of Engineering. You’ve made an excellent choice that will serve you well.
If you are not familiar with KU, the School of Engineering, or Lawrence, here are a few facts:
Eaton Hall, the newest facility in the KU Engineering Complex, was
opened in fall 2003 and houses the administrative offices of the
School of Engineering, as well as the Department of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science and the Engineering Career Center.
The 80,000 square-foot building — named for Robert Eaton, a 1963
mechanical engineering alumnus and chairman emeritus of
DaimlerChrysler AG — also houses several computer classrooms,
laboratories, the Self Computing Commons and the state-of-the-art
Spahr Engineering Classroom.
If the list above isn’t enough to get you thinking about how to spend your time as an engineering graduate student at KU, here’s some more information:
Congressional staff, left, listen, as Lisa Friis, right, associate
professor of mechanical engineering, explains how a device provides
valuable information about her research. Friis has developed a spine
analog that can be used in a variety of research applications.
The University of Kansas is a major research university with a long and successful record of research collaboration promoted through independent and multidisciplinary research centers that focus on common themes. I encourage you to think about your research interests early and begin talking with faculty members in these areas.
The School offers travel funds for you to present your research at professional conferences; and, you should be able to take advantage of these opportunities several times as your research interests are translated into publications.
It is also helpful to know your research interests as you complete your Plan of Study, which should be completed by the beginning of your second semester. Your Plan of Study serves as a record of your intentions, an indicator of the likely time-to-degree, and as an official acknowledgement of the adviser's and committee members' approval of your plan to fulfill degree requirements. Our number one goal is to make sure that you graduate, and ideally, that you graduate in a timely manner. Although you contribute knowledge to the School as a student, you contribute even more to the engineering profession as a graduate with an advanced degree.
Daniel Fokum, PhD student in computer science, discusses his
research with faculty judge, Michael Detamore, assistant professor
of chemical and petroleum engineering, during the Fall 2007 GEA
Poster Competition.
The Graduate Engineering Association (GEA) also serves to help you develop professional skills. I encourage you to become involved with GEA and attend the many workshops and events offered throughout the year.
Ultimately, you are responsible for making sure that you take the appropriate steps needed to graduate; however, organizations, such as GEA, and staff members in the School are here to help. We have a vested interest in your success – it’s not just about adding credentials behind your name. Please feel free to contact me or any member of my staff during your tenure here.
I wish you the best of luck.
Glen A. Marotz
Associate Dean
Research and Graduate Programs
