*********************************
There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
*********************************
Atlanta, GA | Posted: September 19, 2013
Ashlee Gardner
Online Communications Manager
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Summary Sentence:
No summary sentence submitted.Full Summary:
Get to know ECE alumnus, James DeBardelaben, in this short Q & A.
James DeBardelabenGT Degree(s): Ph.D. ECE
Year Degree Awarded: 1998
Current Title/Position: President and CEO
Current Company/Organization: IvySys Technologies, LLC
Describe your average workday.
There is no average workday at a high-tech small business such as ours. On some days, I spend most of my time meeting with existing customers and looking for new business opportunities. On other days, I spend my time overseeing the financial operations of the company to maintain healthy cash flow. I, however, most enjoy spending time refining and optimizing our business strategy and charting the technical vision of the company.
How did ECE prepare you for your current role?
The Georgia Tech ECE program provided me with a strong technical background, but most importantly, my doctoral studies helped me develop critical problem solving skills for adapting to complex unstructured business challenges. Having the skill sets to dynamically adapt to rapidly changing business environments is essential for success as an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give current ECE students?
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Who was your favorite ECE professor?
Prof. Vijay Madisetti (my Ph.D. advisor)
What do you think is the most important technological breakthrough of the past 20 years?
The advent of high-bandwidth, low-power mobile computing devices to support a myriad of applications (ranging from consumer to military) on a single platform.
When you aren’t being an Electrical/Computer Engineer, what do you like to do?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and two boys, who are 4 and 2 years old. If I have any energy remaining after playing with my boys, I like to take time out to exercise through running and weightlifting.
