The University of Toledo has been part of Pete Rocco’s life for quite a while.
Now a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering, Pete Rocco began his Rocket journey as a student at Toledo Early College High School and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in bioengineering.
A first-generation college student, Rocco initially planned to pursue a career as a medical doctor. Then he discovered engineering, specifically mechanical engineering.
Pete Rocco spent spring semester at NASA Glenn Research Center as a safety mission and assurance intern.
“Toward the last part of my bachelor’s degree, I realized my true passion was geared more toward mechanical engineering — fatigue of materials, shape memory alloys to be specific — after doing a co-op under my advisor, Dr. Mohammad Elahinia,” Rocco said. “I decided to stay on for my master’s degree and focus on mechanical engineering.
“My passion for fatigue of materials comes from the real-life fatigue failures that have happened – aerospace, airplanes, buildings, bridges and other mechanical components that have failed and have caused tragic situations, including the loss of human life,” he added. “If we can understand the fatigue of materials and the mechanisms that lead to eventual failure, we can then create better materials for the future in real-world applications, in the best effort to prevent or correct serious failures from occurring.”
Rocco spent the spring semester at NASA Glenn Research Center as a safety mission and assurance intern.
“This NASA experience is thanks to the invaluable training I received at UT in the Department of Mechanical Engineering,” he said. “The academic and research programs at The University of Toledo are top-notch and truly set up students for a bright future. Without the guidance I received in academia and research at UT, my achievements would not be possible.”
Rocco is scheduled to graduate with his Ph.D. in spring 2025.
Scheduled to graduate with his Ph.D. in spring 2025, Rocco said his career plans are flexible.
He may seek out an industrial research-based position, but he is also open to post-doctoral positions or teaching positions.
“UToledo, including the College of Engineering, truly prepares students for success in the world,” he said. “The lessons you learn and the guidance you receive from your mentors are paramount, and UToledo and the College of Engineering are among the best regarding this.”
Elahinia, Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, has been Rocco’s mentor.
“I admire Pete for his kind heart, dedication and eagerness to learn and collaborate,” he said. “He is always ready to take on a new challenge. He is equally ready to cooperate with others and to mentor. He has been a very successful instructor for both the Mechanical Engineering as well as Engineering Technology Department.
“As an example of his passion for community engagement and mentoring, Pete recently participated in Manufacturing Day at the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering, where he advised students on the possibilities and benefits of studying engineering at UToledo.”
As a longtime Rocket, Rocco offered this advice for students who are thinking about their own journey in UToledo’s College of Engineering: “Engineering is such a broad field that the options and possibilities are truly endless” he said.” One must identify what they are passionate about, and then go for it. The best part is that at The University of Toledo College of Engineering, this is truly possible.”
