Abstract:
Professor Robert T. Beyer guided 20 Ph.D. students and 9 Sc.M. students during his career at Brown University. He did a masterful job of preparing his students for successful careers in teaching and research. His genial, outgoing personality ensured good communication with even the introverts among them and his relaxed style (and the close quarters during the Wilson Hall days) encouraged interactions among the students; they often learned the tricks of the ultrasonics trade from each other. He kept a close watch, however, and when he determined that a student was ready to present his first paper at an Acoustical Society meeting (often before the student considered himself ready), he strongly encouraged it and instilled the confidence needed for the task. He personally introduced his students to many of the Society's members, resulting in lifelong friendships and collaborations. Although none of Bob Beyer's students ever succeeded in emulating his ability to tell a story or a joke, they all have benefited greatly from their association with him.