The Stephen Timoshenko Legacy

Time at University of Michigan

In 1927, Timoshenko's arrival at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a professor of graduate mechanics marked a significant moment in the annals of engineering education in the United States. His reputation as a luminary in applied mechanics quickly gathered a devoted following of doctoral students, all eager to learn from a figure whose expertise was both deep and wide-ranging. This period heralded the start of Timoshenko's profound influence on the field, a time when his innovative approach to teaching and research began to bear fruit.

With a visionary eye, Timoshenko sought to bridge the gap between applied and theoretical sciences, creating a unique educational environment. He established a weekly seminar that became a nexus for scholars from diverse backgrounds, facilitating a rich dialogue between the practical aspects of engineering and the theoretical foundations that underpin them. This initiative eventually led to the creation of a special Summer School of Applied Mechanics, attracting renowned academics and industry experts from across the globe. Figures such as Ludwig Prandtl, Theodore von Kármán, and G.I. Taylor joined this vibrant community, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and intellectual growth.

Timoshenko's contributions extended beyond academia. His consultancy work with Westinghouse took him to East Pittsburgh, where he applied his vast knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Additionally, he ventured into publishing, authoring groundbreaking textbooks that introduced advanced concepts in mechanics to the American audience for the first time, drawing on his rich publishing history in Russia.

Even with his demanding career, Timoshenko valued the importance of rest and rejuvenation. He spent his summers traveling in Europe, particularly enjoying the tranquil landscapes of Switzerland, where he could relax and also engage with fellow academics, discussing new ideas and forging lasting friendships.

Timoshenko's journey through academia and beyond was characterized by a remarkable blend of innovation, dedication, and a quest for knowledge. His efforts to synthesize applied and theoretical sciences left a lasting legacy, shaping the future of engineering education and practice. His story is not just about the accomplishments of a distinguished engineer but also about the passionate pursuit of knowledge and the impact one individual can have on a field.

Portrait Photograph of J. N. Goodier

 

During Timoshenko's time at Michigan, one of his students, James Goodier, completed his PhD under a Commonwealth Fund Scholarship. This encounter was one that would last a lifetime, as Goodier later married Timoshenko's daughter Marina Timoshenko (an artist, whose portrait of her father Stephen is displayed in Stanford's Timoshenko Lounge). He also went on to co-author "Theory of Elasticity" with Timoshenko in 1951.

In his autobiography, Timoshenko remembered his students at University of Michigan.

  • Coates, W. M., (1929)
  • Donnell, L. H., (1930)
  • Billevicz, V., (1931)
  • Everett, F. L., (1931)
  • Frocht, M. M., (1931)
  • Goodier, J. N., (1931)
  • Brandeberry, J. B., (1932)
  • MacCullough, G. H., (1932)
  • Jamieson, J., (1933)
  • Taylor, W. H., (1933)
  • Verse, G. L., (1933)
  • Vesselowsky, S. T., (1933)
  • Weibel, E. E., (1933)
  • Jakkula, A. A., (1934)
  • Maugh, L. C., (1934)
  • Schoonover, R. H., (1934)
  • Way, S., (1934)
  • Wojtaszak, I. A., (1934)
  • Allan, G. W. C., (1935)
  • Horger, O. J., (1935)
  • Maulbetsch, J. L., (1935)
  • Miles, A. J., (1935)
  • Young, D. H., (1935)
  • Anderson, C. G., (1936)
  • Fox, E. N., (1936)
  • Hetenyi, M. I., (1936)
  • Hogan, M. B., (1936)
  • Marin, J., (1936)
  • Zahorski, A. T., (1937)

Source: National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoirs, photographs obtained from SPT's family.

List of students obtained from his biography: Timoshenko, Stephen P. (1968). As I Remember; The Autobiography of Stephen P. Timoshenko. Princeton, Van Nostrand.

Note: Timoshenko’s  PhD list has been deleted multiple times from Timoshenko’s “Wiki” page. If you have information about his students and would like to share it with us please contact us.