I think I fixed the picture problem...the first one is how it looks now...the second is before new paint and parts.

I just started grad school at NCSU in Mechanical Engineering. Overall, I think they have a pretty good graduate engineering program (in my deptartment at least)...I know what you mean about not being able to find out much beforehand, this semester has definitely been a learning experience for me. Now if I can only find a thesis topic and advisor (in Mechatronics/Control Systems) Ill be all set.