Q&A

CLASSIFICATION: Sophomore

MAJOR/MINOR/DEGREE PROGRAM: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Marion, Arkansas

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HERFF ENGINEERING? If I had to name ONE thing, it would be the Engineering Living Learning Community, on the fifth floor of Centennial Place.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? Eventually, I want to design my own piece of computing technology; something that is useful and practical. Perhaps I'll open my own business!

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OR HOBBIES? In my spare time, I like to read books (mysteries are my favorite) and play video games (the Nintendo Switch in particular).

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE ENGINEERING? At first, I enrolled in Computer Engineering mostly on a whim. I've been interested in computers and technology since I was a little kid, and I wanted to learn about circuity and computer design. Now, I find myself enjoying both the learning material and being part of the engineering community.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY? WHERE AND HOW DO YOU VOLUNTEER? As a member of the Engineering Living Learning Community, I participate in fundraisers (such as Turkey Bowling) as well as the weekly Cookies and Calculus study sessions, sometimes acting as a tutor for other ELLC members.

WHAT STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I have been part of the Engineering Living Learning Community (the fifth floor of Centennial Place) since I was a freshman. Living alongside peers with similar interests has kept me motivated in my own studies and made it easier to form connections. I enrolled in the National Society of Black Engineers this semester. As a black person myself, attending seminars and listening to successful black engineers has encouraged me to "shoot for the moon" and work to achieve my dreams.

HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY RESEARCH? IF SO, DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE. I enrolled in the Vertically Integrated Projects program as a freshman because the idea of doing research alongside student mentors interested me. Some of the biggest achievements in my university career have come from the VIP program. I was the lead author of an article published in QuaesitUM research journal last semester, and my partner and I won second place for Engineering at the Works-in-Progress Symposium this semester. I have even been invited to attend Posters at the Capitol in Nashville next semester! From the VIP program, I have learned how to work as a team (as a student and as a mentor myself) and how to present ideas effectively. It is an experience I would recommend for anyone interested in engineering.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? If there is any lesson I have learned from attending the University of Memphis, it is that experience matters. You may not have any experience starting out, but you should absolutely gain some while you are here. If you are offered a chance to learn or be a part of something, then take that opportunity! You never know what will happen. I chose my university, my major, my dorm, and my clubs simply because they interested me, yet those experiences have me a very different person than I was in high school. I have never felt more assured of my career path than I do now.