Advisor while a Ph.D. Student:
Richard Knight (MSE) and Richard Cairncross (CBE)
Year of Graduation:
2003 (M.S.), 2006 (Ph.D.)
How did you decide to come to Drexel MSE for a Ph.D.?
I joined MSE as a result of research collaborations between the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, where I was an RA/TA at the time, and Drexel's MSE. Today, I am proud to be both, with my M.S. and Ph.D., a Drexel MSE Alumnus.
First Job Post-Graduation and Brief Description of Duties:
The title of my first job at Resodyn Corporation was Materials Scientist/Engineer. In addition to a broad range of project execution responsibilities at a technical level, my duties also included identification of new technologies and related business opportunities,as well as assistance in market planning, project management and oversight, technical and team leadership and proposal preparation. After wining several Department of Defensesponsored research grants, I have advanced into Lead Materials Engineer and Principal Investigator responsible for projects involving research and development of advanced polymeric coatings such as anti-tamper, blast mitigation, super hydrophobic, and smart coatings.
How did you find your first job?
They found me. A personal web page linked to our MSE research group web presentation was very helpful.
What have you been doing since?
Among many other things, I focused on expanding my family...
How do you feel your Ph.D. research and education have contributed to your job?
Ph.D. education provided a great sense of professional accomplishment and an opportunity to look forward to every new day at work because my job is exciting, diverse, challenging and never boring. On a more pragmatic side, it also helps you to make noticeably more money.
Do you have any advice for students looking for a Ph.D. program or for current students?
They should see a Ph.D. as a long term investment in their future, which, in return will reward them with a fulfilling and exciting life style.