Electrical and Computer Engineering
An interesting start
Marshall was a sophomore mentor and Farshad was an entering freshman at START orientation for incoming students. Marshall made an impression as the “big, goofy guy” who helped Farshad fix the circuits on a small electronic device. The next year, they worked together as mentors at START, helping new students make a successful transition to college life.
Hands-on learning
The duo helped refine the EECS Tekbot program, where students build a robot throughout their four years of coursework. “Tekbots is the bridge between the book and the real world. You get to apply what you’ve learned to something you can actually hold,” Farshad says.
Studying engineering
Marshall acknowledges engineering is a tough discipline. “But anybody can do it. You just have to put forth the effort,” he says. Nor is engineering all work and no fun. “I’m always telling people it’s fun. It’s exciting. There are a lot of great jobs. And you can still get out and enjoy your college experience.”
Bacc core classes
Both undergrads have found Bacc Core classes inform their engineering studies — and give them the well-rounded knowledge and skills employers are looking for. A geography class for example, informs the electrical engineering challenge of providing power to a growing population.
Importance of mentors
Having been mentored and being mentors, they value the support system that helps new students adjust to college. And they’ve learned in both roles. “When you help other people, you see different ways to do things,” Farshad says. “While you’re helping them learn, you’re learning yourself.