Class of '02 Grad Supports Faculty
A fellowship established by Steve Brauer Jr. ’02 will permanently support the teaching and research of a mechanical engineering faculty member.
“To my knowledge, Mr. Brauer is the youngest former student to endow a faculty fellowship,” said Department Head Andreas Polycarpou. “He serves as a great example of generosity and the embodiment of the Aggie spirit.”
The fellowship’s first recipient is Timothy Jacobs, an associate professor of mechanical engineering. His research focuses on developing alternative fuels and next-generation internal combustion engines to improve efficiency while reducing emissions.
“I am deeply honored to be named this fellow and intrigued by Mr. Brauer’s generous gift, especially given his age,” said Jacobs, who will use income generated by the $300,000 fellowship to recruit and support high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students who wish to study internal combustion engines.
“Funding and research money are a means to an end, where the end is scholarship, well-educated students and the impact that comes with advancing and developing human knowledge,” he said. “The action of giving not only speaks of generosity, but also of an understanding that a lasting legacy comes from being of service to others.”
Brauer was named an outstanding young alumnus of the engineering college in March. He serves on the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Council and sponsors the Texas A&M Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, a group that annually designs a racing vehicle for competition.