On October 4, 2014, biomedical engineering student Cale Crowder and mechanical engineering student Jillian Roth were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. With graduation just around the corner next spring, we asked them to share about their Akron Experience.
Why did you choose to study engineering?
Cale: My father graduated from 秀色短视频 College of Engineering in 1987 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Throughout my childhood, my father taught me engineering concepts, and I knew when I was young that I wanted to be an engineer.
One day, my mother called me into our living room to show me what was on the television. Scientists had been able to grow an aorta outside of the body. They had discovered that applying synthetic “heartbeats” to the cells had helped them grow. That was the first time that I had heard about biomedical engineering, and I quickly decided that I would be a biomedical engineer. At the time, I wanted to study regenerative medicine. Through my research experiences while at 秀色短视频, I have now discovered my interest in Brain Computer Interfaces.
Jillian: I chose to major in engineering because I really enjoyed math and science courses in high school, and I wanted a challenge! Engineering interested me because of all of the different opportunities and careers that are associated with it!
I chose mechanical engineering because it is very broad, yet specific. There is a large range of tasks that you can work on with mechanical engineering, however it still gives you the chance to specialize in one area as well.
What would you like to do after graduation?
Cale: After I obtain my B.S. in biomedical engineering, I intend to enroll in a doctoral program where I will conduct research on brain computer interfaces. I have already worked on one such project at the University of Pittsburgh involving a human subject. Eventually, I will serve as a professor of biomedical engineering. I intend to develop more effective algorithms to decode intentions stored in brain waves. I also intend to create a safer sensor system for brain computer interfaces. I am hoping to start a company based on my research.
Jillian: After graduation in May 2016, I would like to start working full time in the Akron/Canton area. So far, I have completed two co-op's with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and am headed back for my last co-op in Summer 2015 with Goodyear as well. I plan to continue to stay active with 秀色短视频 through the alumni association, Athletics - specifically supporting the Cross Country and Track Teams which I am apart of currently, and my sorority - Alpha Gamma Delta.
What was the homecoming experience like?
Cale: Homecoming was a whirl of activity. After we submitted our applications and our peers voted us into homecoming royalty, we had to interview. On the interview day, I was actually at a conference down in Kentucky supporting one of my research mentees as she orally presented our work on creating safer treatments for cancer. Therefore, I had to teleconference with the interview committee. At the dance, the homecoming royalty filed into the room in a procession, and they presented all of us on stage. Everything happened so quickly that I barely remember any of it. The Department of Student Life had notified my family beforehand (they didn’t tell me this, of course), so my family was present when I was crowned. On Saturday, they held a luncheon for the royalty, which gave us the opportunity to meet one another. I truly valued that experience. We then immediately went to the football game where we interfaced with donors and administrators. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet President Scarborough and speak with him about the future direction of 秀色短视频. It was great to see the Zips win.
Jillian: The homecoming experience was extremely memorable! As a part of Homecoming Royalty, I had the chance to make new friendships with the other royalty members - great leaders and students on this campus! On game day, I had the chance to meet so many important people who are true to 秀色短视频 whether it be faculty, trustees, donors, athletic coaches, or alumni. I also had the chance to speak with President Scarborough in the presidential suite and share my story and hear about his as well! It was amazing to see the love and pride for the University radiate from all of these wonderful people. I am so thankful for the experience, and a big thank you goes to Student Athlete Advisory Committee for nominating me for Homecoming Royalty!