Kettering University

Patrick Atkinson

Mechanical Engineering
2-123 MC
(810)762-9515
patkinso@kettering.edu
No Information on this faculty member

Specialties:

Crash safety
Occupant protection
Orthopedic biomechanics

Description:

Dr. Patrick Atkinson, professor of Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in bioengineering, crash safety, orthopaedics, and solid mechanics (how things deform when they are pushed or pulled).

Atkinson finds Kettering students driven, innovative and engaged. He feels there is a lot that distinguishes them from students at other universities. He says, "They know what being an engineer is all about because of the cooperative education experience. . .they require and expect the faculty to be up on their topics." He feels that this results because they are so current and have the ability to handle an academic, work, and social life which makes them people "who are able to perform in a variety of settings." Because Atkinson's time as a Kettering student left a very positive impression on him, he had a desire to return and do the same job as his professors had. Atkinson enjoys "giving students a great engineering education and the additional courses/labs that allow them to specialize in engineering subspecialties."

His hot tip for prospective students is: "Just remember that what you do from the age of 20 to 30 will dictate to a large part what you will be doing from 30 to 60. On one hand, this is great; it's a blank slate, you can do whatever you want. On the down side, it is a blank slate: you have to decide on something."

Hidden talents and outside interests: In addition to an extremely strong commitment to his family, Atkinson finds time to enjoy music, playing instrument, karaoke and working around the house.

Jennifer Aurandt

Chemistry/Biochemistry
3-215 MC
(810)762-7918
jaurandt@kettering.edu
Ph.D in Biochemistry from U Of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Specialties:

Biological Chemistry
Cellular signaling
Green Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Description:

Dr. Jennifer Aurandt, assistant professor of Chemistry
Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan, with expertise in Biochemistry.

Aurandt, who has taught at Kettering for the past two years, feels that Kettering students are professional, motivated learners and hard-working. She believes that some of the distinguishing characteristics of Kettering students include a high degree of professionalism, in addition to a desire to strive for greater knowledge than just what they have been tested on.

She says that her favorite part about teaching at Kettering is working with the students and faculty, all of whom strive to make the University a better place. She is not shy when describing why she chose to come to Kettering: "When I was being interviewed at other schools, the students did not ask questions during my presentation. But at Kettering, the students asked relevant, pertinent questions, which showed a desire to learn."

Her hot tip for prospective students: "Kettering is a place where you will be known by your name and not by a number."

Hidden talents and outside interests: when she isn't in the lab or class, Aurandt loves to do anything with her husband and two sons.

Jeffrey Hargrove

Mechanical Engineering
2-245 MC
(810)762-7437
jhargrov@kettering.edu
Ph.D in Mechanical Engr Specialty from Michigan State Univ

Specialties:

Bioengineering
Biomedical instrumentation and devices
Brain function in pain processing
Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions
Mechatronics
Respiratory mechanics

Description:

Dr. Jeff Hargrove, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, with expertise in bioengineering, medical research and mechatronics.

Hargrove, who is also a graduate of Kettering/GMI, has taught at the institution for 14 years and believes that Kettering students tend to be more mature and competent about real world matters than students from other schools. Additionally, he believes Kettering students have a much better appreciation of the value of business and industry than typical college students.

Three words he uses to describe Kettering students are mature, competent and driven. One of the best parts of teaching at Kettering for Hargrove is the opportunity to integrate real life issues into academic issues as part of a classroom environment. He chose to teach at Kettering because he is a firm believer in the school's cooperative education model.

Hot tip for prospective students: "Realize that your work ethic is the greatest asset you have in terms of achieving your goals and succeeding here as well as anywhere you go in life. Embrace the idea that your commitment to your education and your co-op activities must be your highest priorities, and work hard toward both. That will pay off BIG in your future."

Hidden talents and outside interests: When he's not in the classroom or laboratory, Hargrove enjoys studying the history of the American Civil War and collecting Civil War memorabilia.

Massoud Tavakoli

Mechanical Engineering
2-131 MC
(810)762-7922
mtavakol@kettering.edu
Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University

Specialties:

2D and 3D simulation of dynamic systems
Accident forensics
Automotive accident recontruction and occupant safety
Design Methodology
Failure analysis
Finite element analysis
Finite element simulation
ISO 9000 quality systems development
ISO standards compliance development
Machine design
Orthopedic and medical devices
Product development
Stress analysis
Theoretical and experimental vibration analysis
Vehicle crash dynamics

Description:

Dr. Massoud S. Tavakoli, professor of Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. from Ohio State University in Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in product design and safety and vehicle collision reconstruction.

Tavakoli sees Kettering students as mature, ambitious and professional. In fact, he feels it is this accelerated rate of maturity that distinguishes them from students at other universities. Tavakoli originally came to teach at Kettering because of the close ties to industry and the opportunities to learn about what takes place in industry. It is the hands-on flavor of education, the laboratory intensiveness and the students that have become his favorite part of teaching at Kettering.

Hidden talents and outside interests: When not in the lab or teaching his students, Tavakoli enjoys camping and community service.