Brook was born April 16, 1973 in Monterey, California. He has lived in California for all but four years of his life when he lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Brook spent most of his high school years in Minnesota attending one of the nation's most recognized public high schools while becoming an Eagle scout by learning how to lead others and survive outdoors in Minnesota's climatic extremes. Brook returned to the northern California bay area one year before entering university. After spending two years in the school of engineering at U.C. Berkeley, he transferred to UC San Diego. Brook earned his bachelor's of science degree in mechanical engineering last year and is currently working toward his master's degree in mechanical engineering.
He has worked in the Talke group as an undergraduate as well as a graduate research assistant. Brook's projects have involved the modification of an environmental test apparatus built for disc drives, VCR video head wear research, and currently, head/tape spacing interferometry for DLT tape drives.
Brook hopes that his current work will lead to a read-write head design that will satisfy the market's demand for higher tape speeds and recording density, smaller head-tape spacing resulting in the problem of greater head wear, and a more stable head-tape interface. He enjoys this work believing that the future of tape drives is bright as a cost-effective data storage solution.
When university was not in session, Brook has worked in engineering internships in the desktop computer industry at Apple Computer (desktop enclosures), in the data storage industry at Intevac (disc sputtering machines), in the wireless telecommunications industry at Spectrian (power RF amplifiers), and in the wafer inspection/surface metrology instrument industry at KLA-Tencor (Advanced Imaging Technology).
For one summer he worked in consumer electronics sales. After his success there, the following summer, he moved into the ultimate arena of sales experience when he gained a position selling Chevrolet sedans, sports cars and trucks, and was successful in doing it. He believes that summer to be the most enjoyable one that he can remember. The following Christmas, he was a product representative for Chevrolet at the San Jose International Auto Show.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys medium distance running and competes in races throughout the year. In addition, he is into swimming and weight training. Eventually, he wants to enter a biathalon. Peridically during the year, he enjoys driving Corvettes on some of California's racetracks. Other interests include all-terrain vehicle trail riding and private aviation. Brook is interested in the French language and culture. He is also an automobile enthusiast and regularly attends the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance vintage auto show.
After graduation, Brook hopes to work in France as a mechanical engineer with communicative responsibilities. His long-term goals include business school.
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Last updated: Sept. 1, 1999