Thomas Devine came to Berkeley in 1985 after 11 years as a staff scientist at General Electric’s Corporate Research and Development Center. From 1996 to 2002 he served as Chairman of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research interests are primarily focused on understanding and improving the corrosion resistance of materials.

Professor Minute: Interview with MSE professor Thomas Devine

What do you do to forget about engineering and/or work ?

I have been in search of that sport for which my body is ideally suited and therefore would provide me with an unfair advantage. I'm running out of things to try and becoming a bit concerned. Also, I have never tried to forget about engineering. My struggle is the exact opposite, which is to remember at least half of what I read and what my graduate students tell me.

What is your personal recipe for success?

Without making any claims of success, I can tell you that my mode of operation is to do the best I can with the tools at my disposal and in the time that is available. Everyone pretty much understands that you could do a better job if you were given more time and better tools. However, often the name of the game is to use your ability and whatever resources you have to get it done on time.

What can a student do to get through your hardest class?

Go to every lecture (my least favorite question is “I missed your last lecture. Did you say anything important?”). Hand in the problem sets on time and come to office hours to clear up unanswered questions.

Why did you become a professor?

My thesis advisor had a positive effect on my professional development and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Then, while working at the General Electric Corporate Research and Development Center, I realized that I really enjoyed working with engineers who had BS and MS degrees and were at the Center for one to two years to conduct research. I realized that working with these engineers might be like working with graduate students. Also, being a professor allows me to work with engineers and scientists from around the globe. I’ve traveled to a few countries to work on challenging problems with wonderful people. In my view, seeing the world as a practicing engineer beats being a tourist.

If you would like us to feature your favorite professor, please email his or her name to editnews@coe.berkeley.edu.

College of Engineering Home Page

Send comments to editnews@coe.berkeley.edu   © 2003 UC Regents