Over the next two weeks, as we approach the commencement ceremonies for the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Class of 2026, we will be sharing senior spotlights of some of our exceptional students from each CEMS program.

How did you choose your major?

Growing up, my dad would bring old computers home from work for my brother and me to dissect. As I looked at dust-covered components and fans, I would wonder why and how the computers would light up the screen and play my favorite games. In high school, my brother inspired me to build a computer, which further expanded my curiosity in understanding the parts I was handling. After doing some research on my interests, I found that I should study Electrical Engineering.

After hearing that EE was difficult from some peers, I joined UVM as a Business Major. While I was in Freshman year orientation, I immediately switched to General Engineering since I realized that I did not want to be in business. I started going to IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and began troubleshooting Bluetooth communication protocols with Ian Cassidy and Jack McTasney, who told me to join Electrical Engineering.

Did you choose to include a minor or certificates?

As I continued through my undergraduate career as an Electrical Engineer, I learned about the Undergraduate Certificate in Semiconductor Engineering and Physics (UCSEP). This certificate offered classes that I realized perfectly complemented my curiosities from the dust-covered components I would ponder as a child. After hearing about all of the semiconductor engineering opportunities around Vermont, where family, skiing, and the lake are, I knew that enrolling in the UCSEP was the right choice for me.

What extracurricular organizations and activities did you enjoy at UVM?

Growing up, music had always been a huge part of my life, and I was hopeful that I would be able to join any ensemble around campus. Until my sophomore year, I never understood how big the music scene was in Burlington until I joined a band called Cows on the Moon, where I played piano and the occasional harmonica. This past fall, I helped start a band called Spattik, where I play lead guitar with a focus on writing original songs and playing gigs to raise money for charities. Having both of these music opportunities as a creative outlet helped me to stay optimistic throughout my undergraduate career.

Is there a class or professor who had a significant impact on your academic journey at UVM? 

Dr. Jackson Anderson has had a significant impact on my career and academic growth by both pushing me to learn and succeed in classes as well as introducing me to the world of research and balancing it on top of regular coursework. He encouraged me to apply for grants such as the NSF GRFP and join the Student Research Conference to showcase the work I have done on GaN resonators throughout my senior year. His support and dedication to the UCSEP are one of the reasons I stay motivated in this field.

Do you have a memorable research experience from your time in CEMS?

SEED (Senior Experience in Engineering Design) has been especially memorable; working with the GlobalFoundries GaN Technology Development team has been favorable to my interests in semiconductor research and development. A couple of aspects which has made SEED memorable are:

• My team (Team 469): Kendyll Bache, Aria Lindberg, and Adam Slamani have been incredible to work with as we all carry a humorous but productive dynamic, which has been extremely uplifting during my senior year and our design process.
• Device development: During our design period, we needed to submit our bidirectional GaN HEMT designs with an earlier-than-expected deadline. This led to great insight into the semiconductor industry and the highly competitive nature of obtaining knowledge on new and cutting-edge technology.
• Device manufacturing/testing: Once we got our bidirectional devices back from manufacturing, it has been impactful to see something I designed on a wafer. It has been even more surreal to test the devices and see the bidirectional capabilities function as expected (for the most part).

Has an internship helped to guide you on your career path?

In 2024 and 2025, I spent my summers interning at GlobalFoundries as a Contamination Control Engineer, developing a proof of concept for vital clean room equipment monitoring systems. I designed this system with microcontrollers (ESP32) utilizing Bluetooth capabilities to transmit and receive data through a mesh network, ultimately monitoring temperature and current of fans in the clean room equipment. My mentors, Ed Lowe and Mike Bushey, both provided me with technical experience in maintaining clean room equipment, which increased my interest in the semiconductor industry and exploring new technologies.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be joining the GaN Technology Development team at GlobalFoundries as a Power GaN Technology Development Engineering Intern to continue aspects of my SEED project and new projects. Alongside this internship, I am enrolled in the Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) at UVM and will continue my research on GaN Research and Development with Dr. Anderson. CEMS has prepared me for semiconductor R&D since my junior year with GaN Resonator research as well as my past courses: SEED, Integrated Circuit Fabrication, Semiconductor Materials/Devices, Optoelectronics, Microstructure & Surface Analysis (SEM), and RF Circuit Design.

Is there an achievement during your undergraduate years at UVM that you are particularly proud of?

I was particularly proud of getting the GlobalFoundries Scholarship (picture above). I am excited about the recognition for the work I have completed at GlobalFoundries in my role as a Contamination Control Engineering Intern. I am also proud of getting recognized for the Atwater-Kent Award (awarded to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated extraordinary qualities of integrity and commitment to others through outstanding service to faculty, staff and students of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences), which I believe compliments my commitment to supporting the Electrical and Computer Engineering program through being a TA (teacher's assistant) for EE1100 and STEM outreach programs such as Admitted Students Visit Days and tours for the EDGE Consortium.

How do you envision your future in the next five years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself graduating with my Master's in Electrical Engineering at UVM and hope to work with the GaN Technology Development team at GlobalFoundries. I am extremely excited to be a part of a new generation of semiconductor technology. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to stay in Vermont, where my family and home are.

Is there any advice you would share with incoming first-year students?

Do not be afraid to follow up with your professor, hiring manager, or recruiter. If they do not respond to an email/phone call at first, they are not trying to ignore you; they just may not have seen it/had the time to respond. If you are really passionate about a position or opportunity, you will express your motivation by following up. This mindset is what has led me to get my past and current internships.

Also, school is not everything; you don't need a 4.0 GPA. Don't miss out on life.

Would you like to include any "shout-outs" to people who helped support you?

I want to thank the people who have supported me the most: Mom, Dad, Liam, my Family, Kaleigh, Steve, the Bogners, Ian, Nate, Casey, James, Max, Evan, Magnus, Team 469, all of the EEs, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Eva Cosoroaba, Dr. James Kay, Dr. Tony Barsic, Ken, Ed, Mike, GlobalFoundries, Spattik, Cows.

Do you have any parting thoughts?

Going to UVM has been the best decision for supporting my engineering career, music opportunities, skiing and hiking. I hope that everyone is able to get a unique experience that complements their lifestyle at UVM, just like I was able to.