Industry experience comes to life in classroom

   Dr. John Pakkala's first job in high school was sweeping the floor in a factory in Michigan. It was there, while studying sketches on drafting tables, he cultivated his love for engineering. Since then he's come a long way. "I always knew I wanted to be a teacher," remembered Pakkala, "but I knew I needed a Ph.D. to teach at the university level and after working for more than 20 years as a machine designer I wasn't sure when I'd get the opportunity to pursue one." The opportunity soon came along in the form of a challenge grant sponsored by General Motors and in 2001, seven days after finishing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in electrical engineering, he started teaching at MSOE.
   "I like to teach because I think it's important for people to share ideas and to be part of a community," noted Pakkala. "A big part of teaching is listening. You have to be able to listen to students and relate to them to try to understand where they're coming from and why they might not understand a particular problem." Pakkala believes part of what sets MSOE apart from other universities is its focus on the students and on teaching.   
   Pakkala is the program director for mechanical engineering students who wish to study abroad in Lübeck, Germany . "It's very important for us to collaborate with our friends abroad simply because it makes us realize we all have the same needs and wants. I'm very pleased to be a part of that," said Pakkala. In his free time, Pakkala and his wife Debra enjoy traveling and they hope to visit the Grand Canyon this summer.

One on One
What is your idea of the perfect summer day?
I like to work in the garden and relax on the back porch to watch the sunset. Doing all that somewhere in Italy with a glass of Chianti in hand would be even better!

What band, living or dead, would you most like to see in concert?
A band called "Yes" whom I've seen live about five times. I go to many concerts, mostly rock.

What can students do to get on your good side?
My approach is that we treat other with respect. Those students who are polite and respectful regardless of aptitude are people I respect.

What is the last book you've read?
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.

What is your favorite restaurant in Milwaukee?
Joey Buona's. I like Italian food.