Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Michael Webber
Fall 2007
Come into Dr. Michael Webber’s office and you’ll know you are visiting a Longhorn fan. On his wall hangs two sets of horns, a coveted treasure earned by playing five years in the Longhorn band. Since his wife was also in the band, he has both sets of horns displayed. Attending UT as an undergraduate was a natural step for Michael. His father was a UT chemistry professor and Michael loved the campus. He earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in aerospace and Plan II.
He then went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate in mechanical engineer at Stanford. While getting the doctorate, he minored in electrical engineering and almost earned a master’s in history. Getting back to UT was a priority though and he returned in the fall of 2006 as a research associate in the ME department. This fall he became an assistant professor and is teaching thermo dynamics, a class he took here. “So far it is great. It is a busy job, but I really like it,” he beams. He is enthusiastic about teaching and research and finds his students bright and capable.
Michael was in the FIC last spring to get a Web site. He is pleased with the site created by the FIC because it is “fresh, dynamic, and innovative.” Using some of his start up money, he hired an undergraduate to maintain and update the site because he wants to make sure he has a strong Web presence. He explained, “You’re not real until you are virtual.” He went on to describe how a Website is the “primary vehicle” to get your word out. A functional efficient Website puts your best foot forward and as he notes “…is good for you and good for UT. “ Your Website is an important tool when it comes to graduate student recruiting.
The use of technology in his teaching is dependent upon the content. He finds a chalkboard necessary in an old school class like thermo dynamics. In the spring, he’ll be teaching a new course on alternative energy and plans on having students write blogs. He’ll also show more multimedia in the classroom and will rely on the document camera. “I had ideas about teaching from my dad. All the pithy maxims are true,” he noted. He did add though that he appreciates being able to come into the FIC to teaching advice.
With Academic Development Funds, support from the FIC, and industry gifts, Michael is spearheading the development of an interactive energy teaching tool. This tool will serve as a vehicle for research and teaching. Given Michael’s excitement and inquisitive mind, this tool will be innovative and we are pleased that FIC is involved in this endeavor.