Standing at the front of his mechanical engineering class, graduate student Telemachos Agoudemos exudes real-world wisdom and magnetism. These qualities have made the recipient of the UWM Teaching Fellow Award a favorite among students and faculty.
Along with his knowledge and demeanor, his unique background and academic journey also set him apart. Agoudemos, 50, was an undergraduate student himself just a few years ago. He draws on decades of life experiences — as a first-generation American, military veteran, industry worker, husband, father and nontraditional student — to connect with a wide range of people and conduct research with a valuable perspective.
As a role model, Agoudemos inspires his students by preaching what he’s practiced: a commitment to lifelong learning.
“I say, ‘Look, I’ve been in your seat. Let me help guide you,’” he said. “I try to walk them through how I found success, but give them the opportunity to do it their own way.”
Early struggles and military experience
The son of Greek immigrants who came to the United States with nothing, Agoudemos grew up with his brothers in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Despite a natural grasp of math and science and strong lessons in hard work from his parents, Agoudemos didn’t apply himself in school and got poor grades.
“My parents tried to give me the best opportunity, and I didn’t take advantage of it,” he said. “I just wanted to have fun.”
After barely finishing high school, Agoudemos spent a few years as a vehicle mechanic and machine operator. In 1996, he enlisted in the Army and, seeking greater adventure, joined the elite 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. But one bad jump changed his trajectory. Agoudemos suffered a severe neck injury that ended his military career and still affects him today.
Facing challenges and returning to school
Agoudemos spent the next decade or so struggling to “figure out life again.” He was trying to resolve his VA disability compensation, working in construction and dealing with family issues. In 2004, he enrolled at UWM and quickly dropped out. By 2017, though, he was remarried and decided to renew his pursuit of higher education — with a particular field in mind.
“I always wanted to be an engineer,” he said. “I feel like my God’s gift is my technical ability and understanding.”
Finding success as a student — and a love of teaching
After receiving an associate degree from Waukesha County Technical College, Agoudemos was accepted to UWM’s accelerated master’s degree program and began working as a teaching assistant. He earned a UWM Teaching Fellow Award in 2023 and an Outstanding Graduate Student award in 2025. Recently, he was hired before graduation by Microsoft as a mechanical engineer.
Going forward, Telemachos hopes to continue his research on lithium-ion battery systems and manufacturing processes in UWM’s mechanical engineering PhD program.
For now, as a teacher, Agoudemos balances pragmatism with empathy. When a student and fellow veteran nearly dropped out due to issues in her personal life, he was there to listen, motivate and encourage her to stay in school. “I love being able to share my experiences,” Agoudemos said. “I’m not going to be the piece that fits for every jigsaw puzzle, but I can understand things some students go through at levels that others can’t.
“Hopefully, I can help them believe in their potential a little bit more,” he added. “Everyone should write the narrative for their own story.”
