Undergraduate Programs

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!

William Krenik

Class of '93

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

I work at Texas Instruments as a Custom CTO.

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

The excellent technical training within ECE prepared me for my career at Texas Instruments. The great school, the ECE Department’s reputation, and the city that surrounds us sets all students up for success!

Alan Ladd

Class of '96

Alan is an alumnus of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He is the lead ASIC design engineer for educational technology products at Texas Instruments Inc. (TI). He currently lives in Frisco with his wife and their dog Fred, pictured above. In his free time, Alan enjoys volunteering as a verger, vestry member and a lay Eucharist minister for his church. He also enjoys collecting and repairing antique radios. Alan and his wife of 29 years have two children. Their son Adron is a fellow alumnus of UT Dallas and has served our country in Iraq as an EOD specialist in the U.S. Army. Their daughter Emily is a graduate of Texas State University. Read below to learn more about Alan and his experiences at UT Dallas.

1. Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What is your proudest achievement?

I was selected twice to the TI Member of Technical Staff.

2. What brought you to UT Dallas?

I was interested in electronics since I was young. In high school I played with radio and TV sets, and I was my neighborhood’s local fix-it guy. After earning my associate’s degree in Toledo, Ohio, I was hired by TI as a technician. I soon realized I was interested in design but wasn’t able to make the transition at TI without the necessary coursework. Fortunately, UT Dallas began offering an electrical engineering degree focusing on microchip technology and enrolling juniors and seniors. Like many of our alumni, I took some preparatory classes at Collin County Community College, then enrolled part time as a junior at UT Dallas, attending classes in the evening. In 1996, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in Microchip Technology.

3. What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?

My favorite memories include the good friendships I made. I still keep in contact with them, including one of his lab partners who was a classmate back at Collin County Community College. I enjoy bringing my kids to the campus and showing off the major growth over the years.

4. What inspired you to start giving to UT Dallas as an alumnus?

I started giving because of the quality of education I received at the University and how it has helped me in my career. I was also inspired by the former UT Dallas President Franklyn Jenifer who visited the TI campus and asked all alumni to give. President Jenifer explained the importance of alumni participation.