Steven Anton

The desire to understand technology runs in Steven Anton’s blood.

Inspired by his father at an early age, the two of them bonded over automobiles. Following in his dad and brother’s footsteps, he became an engineer.

Anton is very passionate about his career and teaching at Tech. “I believe that my profession is not just a job, but an integral part of my life.”

Anton’s teaching style differs from others because it was not too long ago that he was in his student’s shoes. He relates to his students by understanding their unique situations.

“For me, teaching is a fulfilling job,” said Anton. “Knowing where your students start and where they are when the semester ends. That difference, that new found excitement is what makes it worth it.”

Anton directs the Dynamic and Smart Systems Laboratory at Tennessee Tech, which focuses on characterizing the dynamics response of smart material systems for energy harvesting, structural health monitoring, sensing and actuation.

“I enjoy not only being an engineer but also teaching engineering,” said Anton. “I see it as my way of having an impact on our society. By using my talents to give back to society, I take great pride in my work.”

Anton also enjoys mountain biking and spending quality time with his wife and daughters whenever he is not teaching or doing research. He received his undergraduate degree at Michigan Tech and his master’s and doctoral degrees at Virginia Tech.

Anton is a recipient of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s Young Investigator Award for his project titled “Continuous real-time state monitoring in highly dynamic environments”. The award provides $360,000 over a three-year period and will support one doctoral and one master’s student.