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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
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: December 19, 2019
Brice Zimmerman
Institute Communications
Georgia Tech Social Media
Summary Sentence:
Ryan Harper's transfer to Tech helped him reach his goal of working in the racing industry.
Full Summary:
When he was in second grade, Ryan Harper knew he wanted to be an engineer.
He wanted to pursue mechanical engineering, like his grandfather and uncle, and work on motor vehicles. Ryan, a native of Dalton, Georgia, set his sights on Georgia Tech, but he didn’t begin his collegiate career in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech Graduate 2019: Ryan Harper
Ryan HarperWhen he was in second grade, Ryan Harper knew he wanted to be an engineer.
He wanted to pursue mechanical engineering, like his grandfather and uncle, and work on motor vehicles. Ryan, a native of Dalton, Georgia, set his sights on Georgia Tech, but he didn’t begin his collegiate career in Atlanta.
“I started out at Dalton State College and transferred here,” said Harper. “It was local, so I didn’t have to move away and I could save a decent amount of money. I’m graduating debt-free."
Growing up, Harper developed an interest in cars and racing. He went to NASCAR events with his father, watched the races on television, and sketched out vehicle designs in his room. When he arrived on Tech’s campus, Ryan got involved with GT Motorsports.
The connections he made through GT Motorsports led to an internship with Pratt and Miller Engineering.
“I was actually working on military vehicles for their live fire training,” said Harper. “Their main thing is Corvette Racing, so I talked to the right people there and looked at transitioning over to the race team.”
After a second internship with Corvette Racing, Ryan earned a job offer in the data analysis department. His primary responsibilities will include identifying areas to increase vehicle performance. Eventually, Harper wants to move up to designing the actual race cars.
“I’m excited about the fast-paced, competitive environment,” said Harper. “When you’re working on something in racing, it’s pretty obvious whether what you did was the right choice or not.”
Even at the beginning of his professional life and a burgeoning career in racing, Harper still connects to the sport as a fan.
“Being at a race, especially with the Corvettes, when you get the V-8 going by and you just feel it in your chest, it’s just really exciting and something you can’t necessarily get anywhere else,” said Harper.
“It gets your blood pumping.”
