Spartan Engineers Morgan Gates, Dauan Hendley Jr., Dashiel Matlock, and Marcus Wolff graduated from Michigan State University this spring with degrees in Electrical Engineering. After that they went their separate ways. Here’s a look at where they are headed.
Morgan Gates
Gates is working as a power distribution engineer at Georgia Power, an electric utility company that provides traditional and renewable energy. Some of her responsibilities are creating a distribution system, which includes the designing and laying of distribution lines, substations, transformers, and other equipment to ensure that consumers have a reliable flow of electricity.
The former resident assistant and Women in Engineering lead ambassador for K-12 outreach reflects on how building a support network helped her through school.
“Finding a space with individuals on the same journey allows you to remain motivated yet disciplined, even during rough times,” Gates said. “Through these connections, I formed a community, attended group study sessions, collaborated on group assignments, and did more beyond the campus setting.”
Marcus Wolff
Wolff will pursue a doctorate degree in electrical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research will focus on monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) and microwave systems.
The former president of Audio Enthusiast Engineers and Tau Beta Pi member had previously conducted research in the field of radio frequencies and microwave engineering.
“I am really grateful for the wonderful ECE faculty and staff members, who heavily encouraged student involvement,” said Wolff. “As a result, there were chances to be part of a research team as soon as I got to campus. MSU helped me understand the importance of embracing opportunities and trying new things. Taking those chances opened subsequent opportunities both in school, like publishing, and outside it, like finding industry internships.”
Dauan Hendley Jr.
Hendley is working as a battery development engineer at Nissan. In his role, he keeps track of battery designs and works to improve the electrical side of the battery.
The former member of the Engineering Society of Detroit and treasurer of The National Society of Black Engineers remarked on how important it is to be adaptable.
“As an engineer, it's important that you are adaptable to different situations and people,” Hendley said. “Being born and raised in Detroit, I was surrounded by like-minded people, but MSU opened the door for me to learn from and work with people with different cultures and perspectives, allowing me to learn and grow as an engineer and as a person.”
Dashiel Matlock
Matlock will continue his education in Michigan State’s Electrical Engineering Ph.D. program. His primary research will focus on radio frequency circuit design.
The former motor and electrical director of MSU’s Solar Racing Team is interning at Space X this summer. He said that getting involved with extracurricular activities helped land his internship.
“Being in different student organizations, like solar racing, is something that a lot of organizations look for in candidates,” said Matlock. “While they do value classroom knowledge and success, they also want to see the practical experience that you gain through clubs and other extracurriculars.”
Advice for Future MSU Electrical Engineers
“Don’t be afraid to take up space,” said Gates. “Participate in class, ask a lot of questions no matter how ‘silly’ they may seem, network and form bonds with classmates, utilize the help and resources. But most importantly, have grit and be determined. It’s not about how much you know, but how far you are willing to go to acquire more. Although it may be challenging at times, the end results are extremely rewarding."
“It's important to put yourself out there,” Hendley said. “Surrounding yourself with people who push you in the direction you want to go will help you succeed. Even if you don’t do well at something, faltering is part of the process of becoming better. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is necessary to become the person you aspire to be. The feeling of discomfort is what leads to growth.”
“Students in Electrical Engineering should join some kind of team or club,” Matlock noted. “Getting to work on projects outside of the classroom elevates your practical knowledge of the subject. You also get to learn from other students who have taken classes that you haven’t yet.”
"Find a mentor in the department," added Wolff. "There are so many subfields in ECE suiting different interests that you're bound to find someone who shares yours. The guidance of my mentors was invaluable, and I'm so appreciative that they were willing to help me."
Options for Electrical Engineering Graduates
Electrical Engineering students at MSU can choose concentrations in biomedical engineering, digital systems and internet of things, energy and power systems, radio frequency and wireless technologies, robotics and automation, microelectronics, motor drives, signal processing, smart devices, and electromagnetics, acoustics, and optics.
Of the ECE graduates who reported a destination after MSU, more than 78 percent of undergraduates were hired into industry jobs, and 15 percent will be furthering their education. As electrical engineers and researchers, they will analyze, develop, design and test various electrical equipment and systems.
Research that is currently being done in this field includes computer networking and architecture, evolutionary computing and algorithms, power systems, robotics and controls, materials and devices, and electromagnetics. Research has expanded to include advanced microsystems, autonomous vehicles and robotics, biological and biomedical engineering, signal processing, ubiquitous communications, and efficient energy conversion, production and transmission.
A major research center in the department is the Electric Machines and Power Electronics Research (EMPowER) Laboratory, which provides a space for research, education and service in electrical and electromechanical energy conversion.
Written by Maggie Dillon, a student writer and public relations assistant in the MSU College of Engineering Marketing and Communications office.
College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page