Robert Liebert-Hereth

The Beginning Of Robert's Interest In Engineering

Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Mathematics

Future Plans: Masters Degree

The word "fraternity" stems from the Latin word frater meaning "brother." Yet with most individuals fraternities carry a negative connotation. Even Robert Liebert-Hereth "thought they were just places for people who drink too much together and make people's lives miserable." Now he is glad to have been proven wrong. 

About halfway through his freshman year, Robert discovered and was given a bid to join the Theta Tau fraternity. The old Robert would have declined the Theta Tau bid on the spot, but the new Robert understood the benefits that came with being a member of the organization.

"It's a professional engineering fraternity. It's a place where I can relax and be among people whom I can relate to," said Robert who is now a fully initiated Brother of Theta Tau. 

The Tau Chapter of Theta Tau
Was Founded At Syracuse University in 1925

Theta Tau was the perfect fit for Robert since he has decided to be a Mechanical Engineering Major. His interest in engineering can be traced all the way back to his freshman year of high school when he joined the Rauner Robotics' Team. As a member of the team he gained a basic understanding as to what the life of an engineer is like. Robert helped design, build, and drive multiple robots for the First Tech Challenge program. Now in college he is gaining a much deeper understanding of the complex world of engineering. 

When asked about his early engineering classes he responded with, "My experience thus far has allowed me to use CAD programs (3D Sketches). This has been both a great challenge, and it's been fun making machines that are both real and fictional. The most challenging class was Engineering Computational Tools. It's basically programming using MatLab. It's difficulty lied in the fact that it was the first kind of problem solving class where I didn't know the answer and had to think outside the box. An outside that has an infinite amount of possibilities."

The Quad Is Robert's Favorite Part
Of The Syracuse University Campus

When Robert is done with school, he hopes to use his talents to design machine parts that are both economical and environmentally friendly. He also hopes to update current machines so that they become more efficient and versatile. 

For now though, Robert will focus on improving his persona by trying new things. He recently picked up cooking as a new hobby and his favorite dish to make is pork tenderloin medallions. This is why his advice to himself and all others is to "let loose and not be afraid to expose yourself to new environments. Think things through, but  don't hesitate to do something if you think it can be a fun/great experience for you."

MESSAGE TO FORMER TEACHERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS:

"I'm glad I've known you guys, and I hope to keep in contact with you throughout my life both in and out of college. I am always happy to talk to anyone who wants to talk about anything."

To learn more about the fraternity that Robert joined, Theta Tau, visit this site: http://www.ecs.syr.edu/organizations/thetatau/index2.html

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