Robert F. Guratzsch (expects to obtain his Ph.D. in 2007)

Research Area: Civil Engineering: Sensor placement optimization under uncertainty for structural health monitoring systems. Our methodology will help accurately assess the damage, reliability, risk, and remaining life of structures such as buildings, bridges, and flight vehicles.

Undergraduate degree from: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Outside interests/activities: Water sports, mountain biking, weight lifting, and college football; travel abroad and across state lines; painting; downtown Nashville adventures!

Why Vanderbilt: As soon as I stepped onto campus, I was immediately attracted to the look and feel of Vanderbilt. Having attended the small, private, all-engineering, all-undergraduate Rose-Hulman for my B.S. degree, I saw certain similarities between the two schools that made me comfortable: the relative size of the student body, building architecture, reputation, and all of the beautiful green spaces. During my campus visit, the faculty spent significant amounts of time with me and several current students showed me a wonderful time on campus and in the surrounding Nashville.

Likes best about Vanderbilt engineering: I enjoy the fact that I'm such an integral part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. The department values the opinions of all its members - faculty, researchers, students, assistants and administrators - and includes us all in the decision and policy-making process. Also, the students are like a "family" and have built a community that makes working and researching a fun and enjoyable experience. I love that when I get up in the morning, I look forward to coming to campus!