Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class: 1993
Home town: Rockford, Ill.
Company name and location where you are currently employed:
Aker Solutions, Oslo, Norway, http://www.akersolutions.com/
Position/Title:
Lead Reliability Engineer, Subsea Pumps R&D
Briefly describe the work that you do.
I perform reliability and statistical analyses, modeling and risk assessment for research and development projects. Our R&D projects help improve oil and gas recovery for subsea wells.
How has your MSOE education helped to prepare you for your career?
My education at MSOE gave me practical tools in numerous technical areas. That meant that I had plenty of opportunities to try different fields in engineering after I graduated. I've worked in automotive, machinery, and energy industries.
What opportunities at MSOE helped to make your career choice a reality?
The things that contributed the most were the practical nature of my education and the internships and part time jobs I did; both at MSOE, and at external companies.
I discovered my interest in reliability engineering when I worked for Case New Holland in Racine, Wis. I worked in reliability engineering at Case New Holland for over 10 years, and in three different company locations, including Basildon, England.
What advice do you have for current or prospective MSOE students?
MSOE is a great school. It requires hard work and dedication, but provides a sound foundation for a rewarding career.
What would you tell someone who is considering going to MSOE?
Attending MSOE was one of the best life choices I ever made.
What are your tips for success?
The more you put into something, the more you get out of it.
What did you like most about your MSOE experience?
It is difficult to pick just one thing. I came away from MSOE not just with a degree in mechanical engineering, but also with lifelong friends and great memories.
Why did you choose MSOE?
I had many reasons for choosing MSOE, including reputation, location and the degree programs offered.
What's your favorite memory at MSOE?
I have so many good ones… among the best are games nights and the human chess game. But my proudest moment was graduation.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy playing with my children, riding my bicycle, reading, and playing strategy games.
We have recently moved to Norway, and I am also busy getting used to a new country, learning Norwegian, and trying to figure out what I'm buying in the supermarket.
Other comments:
In June 2012 I graduated with distinction from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. I obtained a Master of Science degree in Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering.