Chris Shantz(expects to obtain Ph.D. May 2009)

Department & Program: Civil Engineering  Risk and Reliability Studies (IGERT) 

Hometown: Denver, CO 

Undergraduate degree from: Vanderbilt University 

Research Area: My study in risk and reliability engineering is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. I am developing a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment and management methodology for rotorcraft damage tolerance (RCDT) within a research project sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. The outcomes will be beneficial for enhancing the continued airworthiness and economical operations of rotorcraft.  

Outside interests/activities: Domestic and international travel, soccer, skiing, just about every outdoor activity imaginable, college & professional football, tailgating, and, of course, my beloved Colorado Avalanche.  

Why Vanderbilt:  Why Not?  Vanderbilt is one of the premiere universities in the country and has everything I want in a college.  The faculty are world renown and highly respected in their respective fields, the research facilities and resources are first class, and the campus is absolutely beautiful. Also,  Nashville has so much to offer college students; from music and arts to sports and nightlife, the possibilities are endless.   

Likes best about Vanderbilt Engineering: The community atmosphere that surrounds not only our research group and department, but also the engineering school as a whole.  Students, and professors alike, are always welcoming and helpful to each other, no matter how busy they may be. The willingness and eagerness to share and expand ideas makes Vanderbilt a unique and positive place to conduct research.