Robert Brushaber has been with Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. (TRI Austin) since 2003 and has been a strong leader in our Engineering Division. Robert has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is experienced in metallic and composite product engineering, various composite manufacturing methods, finite element analysis and structural testing analysis. His expertise has been a positive factor for TRI Austin, Inc. and he has also done inspiring work outside of the office.

Robert has been a member of The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering North America Board of Directors (SAMPE) for the past 2 years. Every year SAMPE gives out the William Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award that recognizes outstanding teachers K-12 who have inspired their students in math, science, and engineering. These teachers consistently demonstrate excellence, integrity, respect, and innovation in the classroom. The teacher is granted this award and is given a $500 check. TRI Austin’s very own Robert Brushaber had the chance to honor two teachers this year that have demonstrated all of these qualities in the classroom.

Julie Leonard and Norman Morgan have gone beyond the standard when it comes to teaching in the classroom. Julie launched the Robotics program at Vic Robertson Elementary to inspire the students who lack the critical resources and opportunities other schools have to excel in STEM subjects. She has led the Robotics team in multiple competitions that resulted in victories and has taught her students critical life skills such as critical thinking, innovation and collaboration that will benefit them in the future.

Norman is a Robotics teacher at Westlake High School and has demonstrated strong leadership and determination for his team. He asked his students to reach out to TRI Austin to learn how to use composites in their Robotics designs. Two of his students spoke with Robert Brushaber and how their passion behind Robotics and their teacher ultimately led to Norman’s nomination. His students described him as a “Coach” because of his engagement and dedication he has for the Robotics team. Both of these teachers have displayed the qualities for a William Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award and TRI Austin is honored that one of our very own, Robert Brushaber, was able to grant these two outstanding teachers an award that they deserve.