Why I do what I do

I am Ernest Gephardt from Sandy Springs, Georgia. I currently study mechanical engineering as an undergraduate student at The Georgia Institute of Technology. My focus is on mechanical systems, applied design, and real-world problem-solving through direct, hands-on work.

I work with engines, machines, vehicles, and other mechanical systems, focusing on diagnosing issues, improving performance, and bringing broken systems back to life. That same hands-on mindset carries over to my construction work as a welder, carpenter, and fabricator. This is where I learn how materials fit together, how structures hold under pressure, and how real work gets done outside of the classroom.

I am drawn to field engineering, where the problems are physical, and the solutions require direct involvement. My goal is to remain the one who builds and fixes tangible systems, while also being equipped with practical engineering skills that improve how things operate in the real world. I hope to blend the many years of valuable hands-on experience I’ve gained in mechanical and fabricational systems with the rigorous engineering knowledge I'll acquire through a mechanical engineering degree to build, improve, and maintain practical systems that perform reliably in the field.