Bart Raeymaekers, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, credits much of his academic success to the transformative years he spent at the University of California San Diego. A double alumnus of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Raeymaekers’ story is a testament to the power of mentorship, rigorous education, and community support in shaping a scholar’s path.
Raeymaekers’ initial plan was straightforward: spend nine months earning a master’s degree and move forward. However, what began as a short-term academic endeavor quickly evolved into a pivotal period in his life.
“When I arrived at UC San Diego in 2004, I only planned to stay for an M.S. degree,” Raeymaekers said. “But my advisor, Professor Frank Talke, encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D.” Inspired by the vibrant research environment and campus culture, Raeymaekers decided to extend his stay, ultimately earning both an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
Reflecting on his time at UC San Diego, Raeymaekers describes it as “terrific.” He found the rigorous coursework, access to top-tier faculty, and collaborative lab environment to be invaluable to his career trajectory.
The Influence of Mentorship
At the heart of Raeymaekers’ UC San Diego experience was his Ph.D. advisor, Professor Frank Talke, whose guidance extended far beyond the laboratory. Raeymaekers vividly recalls how Professor Talke always made time to discuss technical challenges during his graduate studies.
“We would sit in his office and discuss different solution methods, assumptions, and experiments to conduct. He always made me feel my work was important to him, and we were working as a team,” he shared. These interactions played a pivotal role in shaping Raeymaekers’ approach to problem-solving and research management.
He also reflected on Talke’s mentorship in organizing and running a research lab.
“Everything I know about managing a research lab, raising research funds, and supporting graduate students and postdocs in their professional development, I learned from him. He has been incredibly supportive throughout my studies and into my professional career,” Raeymaekers said.
The insights Raeymaekers gained about the professorial journey guided him as he established his own research laboratory and began mentoring graduate students. Even years after graduation, Professor Talke continues to be a mentor and a lasting source of inspiration.
In addition to Talke, Raeymaekers fondly remembers the support of several MAE professors who went beyond classroom instruction to ensure students thoroughly grasped the material.
“I particularly enjoyed the ‘Mechanical Behavior of Materials’ course with Professor Marc Meyers and the ‘Numerical Methods’ course with Professor Thomas Bewley during my first year at UC San Diego,” he shared. “Both professors patiently answered my questions, which I deeply appreciated, especially as I was still adjusting to English terminology after arriving from Belgium.” These meaningful interactions highlight the lasting impact dedicated faculty can have on their students, shaping not only their academic experiences but also their future careers.
Laying the Groundwork for A Career in Academia
UC San Diego provided Raeymaekers with the tools and opportunities to excel as an independent researcher. The Department of MAE‘s high-quality research environment and access to cutting-edge resources fostered his development as a scientist.
"The skills I learned at UC San Diego—such as critical thinking, experimental techniques, effective presentations, and the ability to identify important engineering problems—have been instrumental in establishing my career," he explains.
These skills were further refined during his postdoctoral work at Los Alamos National Laboratory and his MBA studies at MIT, experiences that complemented his technical expertise with a broader perspective.
Raeymaekers also highlights the importance of professional development opportunities provided by UC San Diego. Attending conferences, presenting research, and engaging with peers helped him build the confidence and network necessary for a smooth transition into academia.
Achievements and Recognition
Today, as a faculty member at Virginia Tech, Raeymaekers leads the Manufacturing and Tribology Laboratory, which focuses on advanced manufacturing of engineered materials and tribology, which is the science of friction, wear, and lubrication. His work has significant applications, including the additive manufacturing of engineered polymer composite materials with designer properties, and micro- and nanoscale surface engineering, in particular applied to medical devices such as prosthetic joint implants.
Among his many accomplishments, Raeymaekers’ induction into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts stands out as a career milestone.
“Being recognized as a part of this esteemed institution is humbling and rewarding,” he says.
This honor is not only a reflection of his individual contributions but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of his students and colleagues. Raeymaekers also became a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 2019 and received the 2018 Alumni Impact Award from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego.
From Campus Memories to Lifelong Impact
Raeymaekers’ connection to UC San Diego extends beyond professional milestones, encompassing personal growth and meaningful relationships. His involvement in extracurricular activities, such as the UC San Diego cycling team, enriched his experience, fostering lasting friendships and unforgettable memories shaped by the campus's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Reflecting on the skills he gained during his time at UC San Diego, Raeymaekers emphasizes perseverance, critical thinking, and collaboration—qualities that continue to guide his work and mentorship.
As MAE celebrates its 60th anniversary, led by Department Chair and Professor Stefan Llewellyn Smith, Raeymaekers’ journey serves as a testament to the department’s enduring impact. His achievements illustrate the value of a strong academic foundation, the power of mentorship, and the opportunities offered by a dynamic and supportive community. For prospective and current students, his story is a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead.
“UC San Diego provides an environment where you can truly grow as a researcher and as a person,” he says. And as his career exemplifies, the lessons learned at UC San Diego continue to resonate far beyond graduation.