Major: Biomedical Engineering
Although he's been teaching at MSOE for 20 years, Dr. Charles Tritt didn't always envision teaching as his main calling. "My bachelor's degree was in chemical engineering, and after graduation I worked for Proctor and Gamble. Eventually I decided there was more to life than making paper towels, so I went back to school and got my master's in biomedical engineering," said Tritt.
"Later, as I was finishing up my Ph.D. research, I contacted the Applied Technology CenterTM looking for an industrial research job. I ended up being hired to teach biomedical engineering. Teaching wasn't even on my radar at the time, but it's the perfect job for me. I love when a student finally understands a topic he or she has been struggling with. That light-bulb moment is really rewarding. I also enjoy seeing students in my classes graduate and go on to lead successful careers and lives," said Tritt.
In addition to being the interim biomedical engineering program director, Tritt is also the program coordinator for MSOE's study-abroad program in Manipal, India. "My best advice for MSOE students is to gain a global perspective," he said. "They can do that through studying abroad, traveling on their own, or even getting to know an international student who's here on campus."
In his free time, Tritt enjoys attending science fiction conventions with his wife Juliane Hunter. They also enjoy steampunk and rockabilly music events. He received the Falk Engineering Educator Award in 1995.