Marlene Meredith, Engineering Technology Alum

Degrees
Bachelors of Science in Engineering Technology ('17)
Masters of Science in Engineering Technology ('23)

Current Residence
Memphis, TN

Current Employer
R & N Systems Design

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
Kathy Atkinson was an engineering advisor. She and I had a full discussion regarding the various options at Herff and she helped me find my niche.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
Professional development was critical in learning to write like a professional, my classes trained me in various programs I now use daily, and I met my boss at a University of Memphis hosted function.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
My AutoCAD skills began at Herff with Tom Banning, which were pivotal in the beginning of my career. Professional communication has been the skill I used the most though.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Undergraduate: Professor Tom Banning, he really cares about his students and their education.
Graduate: Dr. Kevin Berisso, he helped me attack problems from a new angle and asked questions I had not considered.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, Tiger Judo Club, Tau Alpha Pi, Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Pi

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I received financial support from scholarships as well as support from my friends, family, and professors. Focus was not something I struggled with.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
My greatest memory from my time at Herff was helping with First Lego League children's robotics competition.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
My advice would be to set priorities for everything, including mental health and stick to those priorities.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
Taking breaks is important and so is spending time with friends unwinding.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn't do anything differently.