School of Engineering

Spotlight on Tufts Gordon Institute

Smit Patel (right) talks with Filip Čučkov (left). Behind them is a white board covered in colorful sticky notes.

Student highlight

Name: Smit Patel
Degree program: M.S. in Engineering Management 
Faculty mentor: Professor of the Practice and Director of the Auster Center for Applied Innovation Filip Čučkov

Why Tufts?

Tufts’ Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program stood out with its rigorous, well‑structured coursework, diverse offerings, intimate cohort size, exceptional faculty, and vibrant campus – making TGI feel like a home away from home. 

What kind of co-op/internship experiences have you had as a graduate student?  

I am currently doing a spring co‑op at Tesla as a product intern on the charging team, working on initiatives that help optimize EV charging infrastructure. Before that, my Sentari AI internship immersed me in fast‑moving, AI‑driven product work, while the Auster‑Tisch Fellowship and IBM project strengthened my program management skills through website redesign, financial modeling, and strategy work. Together, these experiences have strengthened my ability to deliver under pressure, collaborate across time zones, and align technology with mission‑driven outcomes.

Best Tufts course you’ve taken? 

Customer Discovery taught me how to uncover customer pain points through targeted interviews, synthesize feedback, and design solutions that truly address those needs. As someone pursuing product and program management, the hands‑on projects and real‑world customer conversations gave me confidence in stakeholder engagement and data‑informed decision‑making.

What are your career goals?

I hope to build my career as a product manager working across AI, software, and technology-driven industries, leading cross‑functional teams to launch innovative, user‑centric products at scale - especially in areas like automotive, mobility, and other emerging tech sectors. Tufts supports these goals through the Master’s in Engineering Management (MSEM) curriculum’s blend of engineering, business, and leadership training, as well as co‑ops and fellowships that let me apply what I learn directly to real products and organizations.

Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville area?

Medford/Somerville offers a calm, safe place to live and it looks especially beautiful in the snow and fall colors. I love starting the day with breakfast at Tasty Café near campus and knowing that Davis Square is just a short walk or T ride away when I want even more food options or a quick trip into Boston. On campus, my favorite places are President’s Lawn - where students are always studying, playing frisbee, or just relaxing on the grass - and the Tufts observatory, which is one of the best spots to pause in the evening, look out over the city lights, and take a quiet break from a busy day.

How has Tufts impacted your career? 

My time at Tufts has helped me grow into a versatile leader ready to work in competitive tech environments by combining technical depth with strategic thinking. 

What is your focus at Tufts? 

I am improving food access in Mississippi Delta food deserts through an Auster-Tisch Fellowship with In Her Shoes, a nonprofit that brings fresh, affordable food to underserved communities using mobile food trucks. Guided by Professor Filip Čučkov and Professor Gene Corbin through the Auster Center and Tisch College, I led a full website redesign to better tell the organization’s story, streamline donations, and make it easier for community members and partners to engage. My work also included creating customer surveys, funding presentations for Walmart and the American Heart Association, and developing a financial model to support the long-term sustainability of the truck program.

Advice for Prospective Students

If Tufts offers you admission, my advice is to say yes - you’ll quickly appreciate the welcoming cohort, inspiring faculty, challenging coursework, and strong sense of community. 

 

Filip Čučkov (left) and Smit Patel (right) sit on a bench outside and talk with some fall foliage behind them.

Faculty highlight: Professor of the Practice and Director of the Auster Center for Applied Innovation and Research Filip Čučkov

Filip Čučkov, director of the Auster Center for Applied Innovation and professor of the practice at Tufts Gordon Institute, is a seasoned academic, engineer, and leader. He brings wealth of experience in engineering education, research, and innovation in robotics, automation, and cyber-physical systems. Throughout his career, he has driven transdisciplinary applied research projects in large and small organizations, managed engineering teams of various sizes, secured external funding, and published over 50 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a member of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), and a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP).