Undergraduate Programs

Laura Mueller

Class of '12

1. What did you study within the department of ECE?

I studied Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Applications.

2. What was the most valuable thing you gained from obtaining your degree from the ECE department at UTD?

Without a doubt, theoretical knowledge paired with laboratory and research opportunities. This combination laid a solid foundation for hands-on industry experience and influenced my approach to working with others and solving challenging problems with unclear answers.

3. Where do you currently work, what are your responsibilities, and how do you believe the Department of ECE and your specific area of study prepared you?

I’m building my career at Texas Instruments, currently serving in Technical Sales as an Aerospace and Defense Account Manager. My responsibility is to listen, understand and respond to customers’ semiconductor needs. UT Dallas provided the technical foundation to acknowledge common challenges that subject matter experts face on a daily basis. Thanks to my UT Dallas background, I have a firm grasp on how certain semiconductor specifications impact our customers designs, and respond by guiding our customers to leading edge products that address their challenges.

4. Are you proud to be an alumni of the ECE Department?

Absolutely! Making an impact requires diversity of thought and skillsets. UT Dallas has both. The people at UT Dallas did and continue to impact how to approach challenging problems.

5. What advice would you give to current students looking to go down a similar path?

• Convey genuine interest and always remain curious.
• Always remember there are many ways to address challenges.
• Never let adversity stand in the way of your accomplishments.

6. What is one valuable thing you’ve learned that has stuck with you since your time at UTD?

Logic and a friendly, personable demeanor are not mutually exclusive. A genuine smile, willingness to work with others and respect for others points of view will take you far.

Arun Gupta

Class of '12

What did you study within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UTD?

I studied Electrical Engineering (MEMS and Microsystems).

Where do you currently work and what is your job title?

I’m am the Founder and CEO of Skyven Technologies.

In what ways did the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department prepare you for your current position?

The department gave me the flexibility to pursue my PhD while maintaining full-time employment at Texas Instruments. This flexibility has been crucial in setting me for my current role as Founder of a renewable energy company!

Pavel Bolshakov

Class of '15

1. What did you study within the department of ECE?

I majored in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Microelectronics and a minor in Nanoscience.

2. What was the most valuable thing you gained from obtaining your degree from the ECE department at UTD?

It would have to be the collaborative teamwork skills during major projects.

3. Where do you currently work, what are your responsibilities, and how do you believe the Department of ECE and your specific area of study prepared you?

I work as a research assistant at UTD in the Materials Science & Engineering department towards a Ph.D. degree. The department prepared me by instilling me with hands-on lab work early on, which allowed me to use my critical thinking and problem solving skills that are essential for a successful graduate student in a research lab.

4. Are you proud to be an alumni of the ECE Department? If so, why?

I am very proud because more and more I hear that the ECE department at UTD is being recognized not only nationally but globally as well for its high achieving graduates.

5. What advice would you give to current students looking to go down a similar path?

There are dozens of specializations within the ECE department, so take every opportunity to find your passion and expertise.

6. What is one valuable thing you’ve learned that has stuck with you since your time at UTD?

Life-long learning is key to success!