Randy Thornton, Mechanical Engineering Alum
Degree(s)
BSME (1999), MSME (2000)
Current Residence
Huntsvlle, AL
Current Employer
NASA, Mashall Space Flight Center
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
My wife was from Memphis and UofM gave me an opportunity to attend a good engineering school and be close to her family.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The general course work provided a solid foundation, and the specialty courses, undergraduate thesis option and masters program gave me great depth in the subjects and areas that interested me.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Overall the program and individual time spent with multiple professors gave me a good solid approach to solving problems, even ones that were outside of my current knowledge and skill set. That foundational approach has been one of the keys to successfully solving real world problems in multiple disciplines.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. John Hochstein was the most impactful professor during my time at the Herff College of Engineering. Dr. Hochstein served as my advisor for both undergraduate thesis work and masters thesis in microgravity propellant tank fluid management. Whether working through problems in basic course work or more detailed specific problems with research work, Dr. Hochstein dedicated countless hours of one-on-one time with me. The more questions I had and the harder I worked, the more time he dedicated to my personal education. It was that kind of dedication that has always made me feel my education from the Herff College of Engineering was on par or superior to any other program in the nation.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Yes. I was involved in the AIAA student chapter and served as the president. I was also involved with the ASME chapter to a lesser extent.
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I was not a traditional student as I had already spent a couple of years working as a mechanic then served four years in the Marine Corps, so my support system and needs were a little different. My wife was a big part of my support as well as the great professors that were always willing to give me the time I needed to answer questions and work on extra projects.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
Being the first student to complete the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors program was certainly one of them.
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Work hard and be disciplined. If you stay ahead of your coursework everything will work out. Engage with your classmates, professors, and student organizations and absorb everything you possibly can. Don't be afraid to ask questions and volunteer to take on extra work or projects to help you learn.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
How big communication is to the engineering profession. Of all the complex and technically challenging problems I've worked over the years, good, clear, and consistent communication is a common key to getting through challenges.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely! The time, effort and money that I invested at the Herff College of Engineering has paid back many, many times over.