Richard D. Komistek, Mechanical Engineering Alum

Degree(s) 
BSME (1988), MSME (1989), PhD (1992) 

Current Residence 
Knoxville, Tennessee 

Current Employer  
Fred M. Roddy Endowed Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee 

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering? 
I came from Canada to play on the University of Memphis Racquetball team and decided the best path for me was to become an engineer. 

How did Herff prepare you for your career? 
I thoroughly enjoyed the program and the interaction with the faculty in the Mechanical Engineering department.  The faculty was instrumental on preparing me for the path that God took me on. 

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career? 
The program prepared me for mathematical modeling, which has allowed me in my career to put the human on the computer screen for evaluating existing knee and hip implants as well as helping companies develop implants. 

Who was your most impactful professor? Why? 
Can't just choose one.  There were four:  Tiang Tan, Gladius Lewis, Edward Perry and John Ray.  All four of these professors challenged and supported me throughout my time at the University of Memphis. 

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)? 
I was very involved and later became the student president for ASME.  During my time as President we won the Alied Bendix award for being the most active society. 

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal? 
The faculty in Mechanical Engineering were my biggest support. 

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff? 
Winning the Allied Bendix award for the most active mechanical engineering society because the University of Memphis, up to that point, had not done very well in this competition. 

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering? 
The Herff College of Engineering does an excellent job developing engineers, preparing them for their career in engineering.  I was given a great foundation that has allowed me to conduct over $50,000,000 in research, guiding 25 PhD students, 8 Masters level students and numerous undergraduate students. 

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff? 
How important engineers can be in society, making a difference in the lives of many people. 

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? 
Thoroughly enjoyed my time in Memphis in the Herff College of Engineering.