Alumni

Alumni, the MAE department at USU would like to hear from you. Current and prospective students and faculty are interested in where your education at USU has taken you. Let us know what you are doing and how MAE helped you prepare for your current career.

We'd like to feature you on our alumni page. Please email your picture to Bonnie Ogden at bogden@engineering.usu.edu with the following information:

  • Your Name:
  • When did you graduate?
  • What degree? (BS, MS, or PhD)
  • Where are you currently working? (Company name and location)
  • Brief statement or comments about your experience at USU's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
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Jeff Allen

  • Degree/Semester: PHD - Fall 2006
  • Company: US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
    Information Technology Laboratory
  • Location: Vicksburg, MS
  • Quote: Quite a ride!

Phillip Anderson

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: I have loved being at Utah State. I have been able to get involved in projects and research since day one.

Reid Archibald

  • Degree/Semester: BS - December 2008
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: The professors at USU are very competent and know what they teach. Dedicated students will get an excellent education from them. The research opportunities are the best way to maximize learning in the MAE department.

Rhet Astle

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2012
  • Quote: USU is an excellent university to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the engineering work field.

David Bair

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 1983 : MS - 1985
  • Company: Raven Industries, Inc.
  • Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Quote: I have found through the variety of work experiences that I have had that the education I received at USU prepared me well to handle the workplace and to advance in my career. The Instructors took a personal interest in my progress through the curriculum and were very helpful. I enjoyed the time that I spent at USU and look back with fond memories on the experience. I would highly recommend the Mechanical Engineering curriculum to anyone.

Matt Bettridge

  • Degree/Semester: BS and MS - Summer 2005
  • Company: Ceramatec
  • Location: Salt Lake City
  • Quote: My graduate education has proven very valuable. First, the length of time spent working on my thesis project allowed me the ability to dig deep into a problem, critically analyze the results, and draw conclusions. This has been critical working in a research and development company.

Nathan Bunderson

  • Degree/Semester: BS and MS - 2004
  • Company: PHD Program
  • Location: Georgia Institute of Technology in Bioengineering
  • Quote: I'm very grateful for what I learned at Utah State. In preparing for graduate school at Georgia Tech, I was a bit nervous about competing with students from top engineering schools across the country. I was surprised to find myself well ahead of the curve in terms of a strong foundation in fundamental scientific and engineering principles, which was especially important as I switched fields from mechanical to bio-engineering. It seemed that many students from the top schools were not as prepared with foundational skills that would transfer between the disciplines. I would certainly recommend the Department to anyone.

Zachary Everton

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: ATK
  • Location: Clearfield, UT
  • Quote: With all thy getting, get understanding.

Sam Fankhauser

  • Degree/Semester: BS Spring 2011
  • Company: United States Navy Nuclear Power Instructor
  • Location: Charleston, SC
  • Quote: My education in the MAE department at USU has been very fulfilling. I feel as if I got a quality education at a very reasonable price. I was challenged every semester, acquiring great skills along the way. I feel well prepared for the future and, thanks to USU, I have a desire to engage in lifelong learning.

Spencer Fugal

  • Degree/Semester: MSME - 2004
  • Company: Boeing
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Quote: One of the most valuable lessons I learned was when you are stuck to just try something. I have observed that you can think your way through a problem and all the reasons that it won't work so much that it becomes impossible. However, if you just start trying the simplest solution (even if you know it is not good enough) and make improvements eventually you can figure it out.

Scott Gibby

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: Williams International
  • Location: Ogden, UT
  • Quote: I received the education I was looking for, which got me the job I wanted.

David Griffith

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 1980
  • Company: Inovar
  • Location: Logan, UT
  • Quote: In the 25+ years since graduating from USU, I have worked with people who were trained at many institutions including some of the finest engineering schools in the country, and I have always concluded that USU alumni are very well educated and hold their own. Keep up the good work USU College of Engineering.

Ben Griffiths

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2010
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: I have learned a tremendous amount during my educational experience here at Utah State. I have gained respect for, and look up to, many of the faculty in the engineering department. While this program has been difficult and even overwhelming at times, I feel that it has been well worth it.

Brian Hansen

  • Degree/Semester: MS - 2005
  • Company: The Aerospace Corporation
  • Location: El Segundo, CA
  • Quote: When I first came to work for an aerospace company, I was a little bit nervous because it was in a specialty that I had little experience with. However, I quickly found that the problem-solving skills I developed while at USU would make it easy for me to come up to speed and succeed. I feel like I can solve or learn how to solve any problem they throw at me here.

Sarah Isert

  • Degree/Semester: Concurrent BS/MS - 2011
  • Quote: USU is a great place to get an education. The location is great, the professors are amazing, and there are so many opportunities for research and academic development. I leave USU feeling prepared for what comes next.

Joel B. Jacobson

  • Degree/Semester: BS - December 2008
  • Company: Hill Air Force Base
  • Quote: One of the more humorous things I remember about my experience at USU is the assortment of people I'd interact with. The computer lab was always filled with a variety of students. Whether looking for a place to play games online, write a last minute paper, or do intensive research, the lab was the place to be. Thanks USU for the diversity!

Derrick Jensen

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009
  • Company: Graduate Studies
  • Location: Purdue University
  • Quote: USU has a good, fun atmosphere. School is work (there's no way around that), but even with the work required, the students and faculty make it fun. And you can't beat a MAE USU education!

Andrew Johnson

  • Degree/Semester: BS / MS Spring 2009
  • Company: DCI Corporation
  • Quote: I love USU. I have loved my time here. I thought the mechanical engineering program did an excellent job preparing me for a future career in engineering as well as overall success in life.

Denton Johnson

  • Degree/Semester: BS/MS - Spring/Summer 2007
  • Company: Questar Gas
  • Location: Salt Lake City
  • Quote: The MAE department at USU gave me the background I needed to get started as a Mechanical Engineer. Getting my engineering degree has taken a lot of work, but it was worth the effort. I feel USU has prepared me well for an interesting and rewarding career and I would highly recommend the university.

Nathan Johnson

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: dB Systems, Inc.
  • Location: Hurricane, UT
  • Quote: My degree from Utah State has opened many doors. I feel prepared to enter the workforce, and I feel confident that I'll be an effective engineer. Go Aggies!

Jeff Kwong

  • Degree/Semester: MS - May 2005
  • Company: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Quote: I truly believe that Utah State offers one of the best engineering educations of any school in the nation. The faculty really care about teaching and the coursework and projects prepare you for what you would expect in the real world.

Brian Laird

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2011
  • Company: Autoliv
  • Location: Ogden, UT
  • Quote: The Senior Design class went a long way to prepare me for the workplace. Working on a project with a team gave good experience. The Technology Commercialization Office submitted a provisional patent to cover our design. One of my life goals was to be named as an inventor on a patent; it’s amazing that I am accomplishing a life goal at the time of graduation.

Paul Lyon

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: I had many good experiences here at USU. I think what I enjoyed most about Utah State and the MAE program were the design projects I was able to participate in. It’s one thing to learn the principles behind engineering, but it is another to be able to apply them. I think that’s where I learned the most.

Pedro Mateo

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009 / MS - Summer 10
  • Company: PhD Program
  • Location: University of Alberta
  • Quote: I look back to my experience here at USU and realize these were the best four years of my education. Getting close to faculty members, admiring them, working with them, and doing research with them has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Nicholus McKee

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009
  • Company: GE-Energy Wind Renewable Energy
  • Location: Schenectady, NY
  • Quote: It was ten times harder than I had ever anticipated. Some nights I wondered if I was in the right place or if I was wasting my time. Yet overall, I kept at it; the teachers gave me just enough hope to continue on. I look back now and wouldn't have it any other way.

Randall Morrill

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: University of Utah Graduate School
  • Location: Nuclear Engineering
  • Quote: The quality of students that USU attracts is amazing. Working on projects with the different students here has made my experience worthwhile and enjoyable.

Troy Munro

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2012
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: My opportunity to be on the Get Away Special Team and to do hands-on research has given me an edge in my education. I would not have had this opportunity at another university. Here I have been more than just a number.

Bobby Parson

  • Degree/Semester: BS - December 2008
  • Company: Futura Industries
  • Location: Clearfield, UT
  • Quote: Utah State University and its knowledgeable faculty and staff offered me the necessary problem solving skills to further benefit my life and prepare me for a career in the field of engineering.

Maria Camila Quezada

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: Williams Pipe Line Transco
  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Quote: As a woman (mother) engineer, it has not been easy to go through this major, but the faculty provide all the economical help in addition to encouragement through the TA's, tutors, and office hours.

Adam Richards

  • Degree/Semester: PhD in Spring 2006
  • Company: ITT Corporation / AES Division
    Colorado Springs, Co
  • Location: http://aes.itt.com/
  • Quote: Professors at USU are very focused on teaching the engineering fundamentals and theory. With such a solid foundation I have been able to adapt to any project I have been assigned. Even if I had not studied a particular topic previously, I knew the fundamentals and I knew how to research the topic to quickly become proficient. I have been able to exceed mangers expectations because of the high standards I was held to by the professors at USU. They are very demanding, but they are very accessible and willing to explain the problems. The faculty and staff at Utah State made my engineering education bearable as well as one the best available in the country.

Kory Robins

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: Titus Boats
  • Location: Fairfield, UT
  • Quote: Dr. Wood is a stud. I loved Senior Design and all the real world skills learned.

Sitikantha Roy

  • Degree/Semester: PHD - Summer 07
  • Company: Post Doc
  • Location: UC Boulder
  • Quote: I have spent three of the most wonderful years of my academic career during my stay as a PhD student in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) department of Utah State University. The most important thing I learned during my graduate education is "how to be independent". From course works to research everywhere, MAE teachers used to encourage us for self-learning, to learn through experience-not to worry about mistakes, rather learn from it. MAE curriculum was also very flexible and conducive for diversification. Beyond our specialization, we had plenty of opportunities to take courses from other disciplines to broaden our knowledge. Lastly, I want to mention about MAE's student friendly atmosphere. In spite of being an international student, I always used to feel as an integral part of the department.

Cherishma Sadasivuni

  • Degree/Semester: MS - Dec 2006
  • Company: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
  • Location: Delaware
  • Quote: Being an international student, it has been a challenge for me to adapt myself to the new system of education and it is only with the support of my professor, Dr Byard Wood, and the combined efforts of my research team that I was able to achieve my goal. All the professors in the department have been very kind and encouraging. Learning could be painful, but it is truely the 'hardwork' that makes the results worthwhile. All the projects and presentations definitely helped me develop my personality and prepared me to face the corporate world. I am more confident now than ever and looking forward for many more years of engineering.

    A big 'Thanks' to my Professor, Dr. Byard Wood for guiding me in the right direction always, to my family for their trust and love and to all my friends for just being there.... I would definitely recommend MAE- USU to the prospective students.... And I so so so miss those snow caped mountains.....:-)

Justin Schmidt

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2012
  • Company: U.S. Air-force
  • Location: Enid, Oklahoma
  • Quote: Studying MAE is an experience I don’t regret. I feel I have gained tools that will be very valuable in a competitive world.

Aaron Sheilds

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2009
  • Company: DCMA NASA Product Operations
  • Location: Promontory, UT
  • Quote: Utah State gave me the background I needed to succeed immediately in the workforce.

James Somers

  • Degree/Semester: BS - Spring 2011
  • Company: ATK Mission Research
  • Quote: I have learned many important life lessons in engineering and made many new friends. There is still a lot to learn, but I can do it. I came, I saw, I conquered.

Jeff Thurgood

  • Degree/Semester: BS - 2007
  • Company: Juniper Systems
  • Location: Logan, UT
  • Quote: The facilities are great. For the most part the faculty are great to work with. The staff is very helpful. I feel I received a well rounded education.

Brad White

  • Degree/Semester: BS - December 2008
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: I enjoyed the hands on real-life engineering experience I gained through the Mini Baja competition. The chance to see my idea go from concept to production was incredibly exciting.

Eli Wilson

  • Degree/Semester: BS - December 2008
  • Company: Graduate MS Program
  • Location: Utah State University
  • Quote: While engineering is a difficult degree in any field, those who survive USU's prestegious MAE program arrive as weathered engineers, ready to be a powerful asset to any industry.

Alex Wouden

  • Degree/Semester: Concurrent BS / MS Spring 2010
  • Company: PhD
  • Location: Penn State
  • Quote: My experience at USU has been enriching to my career plan. The supportive faculty have inspired me to continue my education. I feel prepared to meet the challenges that are inevitable in further academic and career pursuits. My experiences have offered unique opportunities to stand-out in the resume and job interview process.

Qiang Wu

  • Degree/Semester: PHD - Fall 07
  • Company: Kennametal
  • Location: Latrobe, PA
  • Quote: I believe our department is doing the best job and keeps making progress.