Electrical engineers are an integral part of the modern world. When choosing a bachelor’s in engineering with an electrical concentration, Pensacola Christian College students become well-trained professionals by forming and building a practical understanding of mathematics and physics using a biblical worldview. They’ll receive in-depth exposure to topics such as the electrical fields, electromagnetics, wired and wireless communications, and small- to large-scale applications. “The engineering major is accredited by ABET,” said Dr. Michael Geary, chair of the Engineering and Computer Science Department. “Students are also prepared for and encouraged to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam before or shortly after graduating, which provides an important credential for students entering the field.”
Professional Engineer and the Final Frontier
Frankie Quigley (Engineering: Electrical ’17) never imagined he’d get to be directly involved in working with the equipment that gets astronauts and resources to space. “I love what I do. There is so much happening in the space industry right now and, to be part of something bigger than myself is one of the greatest joys of working in the aerospace field,” he said. As a rocket scientist, Frankie prepares electronic instruments in United Launch Alliance’s avionics department. “As the name suggests, [United Launch Alliance is] an alliance of two companies, namely Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as a launch provider into space.”
“Being able to keep breathing when being pushed underwater is essential, and that is something I first learned at PCC.”
While what his job entails varies day to day, Frankie appreciates how PCC prepared him to keep a cool head under pressure. “The biggest thing PCC taught me is how to deal with overwhelming circumstances,” he said. “I deal with mainly very sensitive areas where there is lots of tension and where mistakes could cost 10 million dollars. When pushed to the brink, people tend to lose their heads and act irrationally. However, being able to keep breathing when being pushed underwater is essential, and that is something I first learned at PCC.”
“With practically everything today using electricity to function and operate, there is no shortage of directions graduates can go in their careers,” Dr. Geary explained. “With plenty of book learning and theoretical elements to study, students also receive plenty of hands-on experience beginning even in the freshman year. Being trustworthy and doing one’s best may just be seen as ‘good business’ in many circles, but our motivation goes beyond simply a personal benefit to striving for excellence as a way of honoring God.”
“Our motivation goes beyond simply a personal benefit to striving for excellence as a way of honoring God.”
Pursuing Graduate Training in Electrical Engineering
Ever since he was young, Cristian Washburn (Engineering: Electrical; Mathematics ’20) has always been fascinated with the math and science behind how something works. As a graduate student at Purdue University, one of the best engineering schools in the country, Cristian is studying for an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. While there, he’s working with research partners to provide software for wildfire management. “I get to apply powerful analysis methods to topic fields that we previously haven’t had access to,” he said. “Our product could help dramatically to better prepare for wildfires, saving lives, homes, jobs, businesses, and our valuable forests.”
Cristian works with his team by coordinating documentation, preparing forestry data for wildfire analysis, testing machine learning models to analyze data, and planning to update its capabilities. He finds that both of his degrees provide ample support for his career. “My upper-level math classes for my math degree were the most valuable. They laid the foundation for work in grad school and have given me a different perspective on engineering,” he said. “The VLSI [very-large-scale integration] project in my engineering degree gave me a passion for analog design, laid the foundation for studies in grad school, and gave me an appreciation for the complexities of microchip design.”
Prepared to Serve Alongside Other Engineers
Brian McDivitt (Electrical Engineering ’09, M.B.A. ’12) has been an electrical engineer at Morrison-Maierle, a civil engineering company in Montana, for the last six years where he designs in the construction industry. He designs electrical systems and coordinates with electrical utilities as a building is planned and constructed. “We work primarily in Autodesk Revit, which allows us to place in 3D all the electrical equipment, devices, and fixtures inside a building that is modeled by an architect,” he explained. “In high school, I was elated to see a Christian college with engineering degrees available, and pursuing that dream is one of the best that I have pursued. I get to work alongside people from highly acclaimed or state universities but with a Christian perspective, and without student debt.”
Brian gained the tools he needed to succeed in his career while at PCC, earning professional electrical engineering licenses from the states of Oregon and Montana. He also took advantage of the leadership opportunities available such as:
- getting involved as a residence assistant,
- Sunday school teacher,
- participating in Christian Service, and
- working at Abeka Publishing.
“The art of public speaking isn’t something that engineers are known for,” Brian explained. “Through my extracurricular activities at PCC, I have been able to build my influence as a spiritual leader in my everyday life. The impact of a Christian education in the field of engineering has proven invaluable as I daily live and work in my community as a Christian engineer.”
“I get to work alongside people from highly acclaimed or state universities but with a Christian perspective, and without student debt.”
Students become prepared to go into a variety of careers and become witnesses in the specialized field by earning an engineering degree with an electrical concentration. “Engineering is a rewarding field of work, and PCC helped me build the skills required to succeed in my career,” said Brian. “I’ve come to realize that God calls Christians to professional careers to be a light to more people who otherwise wouldn’t be reached.”