Tribology in academics
Bryan Johnson and Dr. Raj Shah | TLT Education December 2016
How Auburn University is partnering with STLE on education's only tribology minor.
Students and members of the industry network and learn about university research at the Tribology and Lubrication Science Minor Symposium at Auburn University. (Photo courtesy of Robert Jackson).
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, LOCATED IN AUBURN, ALA., ENHANCED ITS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED engineering program with the addition of a tribology minor in 2012. In doing so Auburn became the first and only university in the U.S. to offer tribology as the focus of an undergraduate engineering degree. The tribology minor draws students from a diverse cross section of undergraduate backgrounds to include all the sciences (chemistry and physics) and engineering (mechanical, chemical, aerospace, industrial, etc.) backgrounds. Nine students have graduated with the minor since its inception, providing an important infusion of young professionals into the industry. The program currently has 23 undergraduate and eight graduate students pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees.
Student exposure to the industry and active participation outside of Auburn became an early hallmark of the program. An important element has been the introduction of students to STLE. In 2016 STLE-member Dr. Robert Jackson, the tribology minor program founder, brought nine students to the STLE Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. Students also have attended STLE’s annual meeting in 2013, 2014 and 2015. These students contributed directly to the industry body of knowledge through poster presentations. They engaged other attendees within the technical sessions and were exposed to marketplace innovation and expertise through the exhibition hall and sidebar discussions with industry experts. The students gained an invaluable professional experience.
The following comments are typical of the experience these students enjoyed at STLE:
•
It was an enjoyable experience to meet tribology professionals.
•
The large number of lubrication professionals at the meeting was impressive.
•
The broad diversity of subjects within the field reflect many opportunities.
Obtaining a tribology minor from Auburn University requires a significant personal and financial commitment. No one is surprised that obtaining a college education has become quite expensive. Completing a tribology minor at Auburn adds the price of one semester to the student cost as the program requires five additional courses resulting in 15 semester hours. Some of the cost burden for the additional course work has been partially offset through the generosity of individual professionals and technical societies along with many supportive companies. Additional contributions are needed to provide support for this important infusion of young professionals into our industry and to further develop the Auburn tribology minor program.
If you would like to learn more about helping, please contact Karl Phipps at
kphipps@stle.org, chair of the Auburn Minor Finance Committee.
Bryan Johnson is the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station lubrication engineer. You can reach him at Bryan.Johnson@aps.com.
Raj Shah is director at the corporate headquarters for Koehler Instrument Co. You can reach him at rshah@koehlerinstrument.com.