Jim Gaston is the Assistant Dean for Advising and Undergraduate Research at the Duke University Pratt School of Engineering. Jim encourages Duke engineering students to reach their potential both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to advising Pratt undergraduate students, he assists them with finding opportunities for research. These efforts include administration of the Pratt Research Fellows and Grand Challenge Scholars programs. He is also the faculty advisor for the Smart Home, a live-in laboratory on the Duke campus where students experiment with new technologies and sustainable living. Jim earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from NC State University and a master’s in project management from Western Carolina University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional.