CECS Mentoring Program
At the Center for Student Success in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, we provide resources for our students to build career identity with the support of Chattanooga community and workforce members. One of those resources is the CECS Mentor Program, a year-long experience available to sophomore, junior, and senior students.
The mentors who make up the Mentor Program are experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge with students to help develop life skills for success. The mentor acts as a coach and role model to support a student with their personal growth and career development. The program provides a great opportunity for professionals to counsel and influence the next generation of leaders. Being a mentor provides personal satisfaction as well as the ability to increase the workforce readiness of future recruits.
The objectives of the program:
- With the support of a practiced professional, students will bring goals into focus and identify actions required to reach objectives.
- Students will learn and practice communication and networking skills.
- Students will develop professional competence to ease the transition into the workforce.
- Students will gain a deeper understanding of how their academic learning applies to the world of work.
- Students will have access to a role model who can provide guidance and psychosocial support.
Enrolling in the Mentor Program:
Self-motivated CECS majors in their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior years who are ready to network and be challenged should consider taking part of this unique program. Students will be invited to apply in the spring semester for the following academic year.
Interested professionals in the fields of engineering and computer science are welcome to reach out to the program director to discuss serving as a mentor. Reach out to [email protected].
Mentor Bench
Abbey Neely
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. – Civil Engineer
Abbey Neely is a Civil Engineer at Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., where she works on industrial, commercial, and private site development projects across the southeastern United States.
Abbey earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2022. During her senior year, she interned with TVA's Dam Safety group as a permit coordinator. That experience led to her current role at Stantec. She recently earned her Professional Engineer (PE) license and continues to grow in her career.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys camping, kayaking, volleyball, volunteering through her church, and spending time with family and friends.
Work Philosophy: I believe in enjoying what you do and doing it well. When you find purpose in your work, it leads to better outcomes for yourself, your team, and your community.
Best Advice for Students: Don't be afraid to ask questions or try something new. Every experience helps you grow. Also, never underestimate the value of networking and building relationships.
Abbey Would Like to Mentor: A curious and motivated student, especially one interested in Civil Engineering, who is exploring career options and preparing for internships or professional opportunities.
Ally Adam
Outdoor Nation – Lead Developer
Ally Adam began her college career with little knowledge of cybersecurity or programming. During her first semester, she discovered Capture the Flag competitions and began learning to code. Her curiosity and commitment led to opportunities including participation on the U.S. Cyber Team, attending a Women's European Cybersecurity Challenge training camp in Norway, and serving as lead developer on a development team.
Work Philosophy: Work hard, play harder, and stay curious.
Best Advice for Students: Do what you enjoy, never stop learning, and never turn down an opportunity. Technical skills open doors, but professionalism, curiosity, and a positive attitude create even more opportunities.
Ally Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is curious, willing to tackle challenges head-on, and eager to learn.
Blair Brown
Electric Power Board (EPB) – Recruiting & Technical Specialist
Blair Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Auburn University and joined EPB in 2002 as a network engineer. Over the years, she supported the infrastructure behind Chattanooga's fiber network before transitioning into technical recruiting.
Her technical experience gives her a unique understanding of the skills and qualities hiring managers seek. Outside of work, she has led Girls Who Code programming initiatives and enjoys cycling, reading, gardening, and learning about emerging technology.
Work Philosophy: Be open to feedback, speak up when necessary, and admit when you don't know something.
Best Advice for Students: Step outside your comfort zone. Growth often comes from embracing new challenges.
Blair Would Like to Mentor: Students who are curious, hardworking, and eager to learn.
Brenden Lippard
Automation Engineer & Lead Fabricator
Brenden Lippard is an Automation Engineer and Lead Fabricator with experience in automation, mechanical design, CNC machining, welding, CAD modeling, and fabrication. He has worked on projects ranging from robotic automation systems and custom machined components to industrial fixtures and electromechanical prototypes.
Outside of work, Brenden enjoys spending time on the water, working on vehicles and boats, and taking on personal fabrication projects that allow him to learn new technologies and techniques.
Work Philosophy: Focus on doing the job right the first time. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Best Advice for Students: Gain hands-on experience whenever possible. Ask questions, seek mentors, and step outside your comfort zone.
Brenden Would Like to Mentor: A student with a clear vision for their future who wants to develop both technical and professional skills through practical experience.
Calandra Jones
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) – Manager, Fleet Performance
Calandra Jones is a Manager at TVA, where she leads a team focused on data-driven operational strategies that support planning decisions for non-nuclear generation assets.
She earned a Civil Engineering degree from Tennessee State University and holds both an MBA and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from UTC. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering focused on analytics and stochastic systems.
Outside of work, Calandra enjoys travel, reading, and spending time with family.
Work Philosophy: Learn from great leaders, remain humble, show up consistently, and invest in helping others succeed.
Best Advice for Students: Drive your own career. Stay flexible, have multiple plans, and don't be intimidated by those around you.
Calandra Would Like to Mentor: Someone who is confident, curious, and committed to lifelong learning.
Caroline Meacham
Arcadis – Staff Structural Engineer
Caroline Meacham earned her Civil Engineering degree from UTC in 2019. During college, she was active in STEM outreach, CECS Ambassadors, ASCE, SGA, and Kappa Delta.
She began her career with TDOT, later transitioned to transmission line design at Sargent & Lundy, and now works as a Staff Structural Engineer in bridge design at Arcadis.
Work Philosophy: Determination and ambition often matter just as much as talent. Work-life balance is essential to long-term success.
Best Advice for Students: Believe in yourself and build a strong support system.
Caroline Would Like to Mentor: A motivated student seeking guidance and encouragement throughout their engineering journey.
Daniela LaCelle
Unum – Head of IT Delivery
Daniela LaCelle leads teams that build and support customer-facing digital solutions at Unum. Throughout her career, she has worked in software engineering, process engineering, IT service management, and application development.
Outside of work, Daniela is active in Chattanooga's technology community as a volunteer with the Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech). She also enjoys travel, DIY projects, and spending time with animals.
Work Philosophy: Integrity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement drive meaningful results.
Best Advice for Students: Never stop asking questions. Find what you're passionate about and pursue it both professionally and personally.
Daniela Would Like to Mentor: Students interested in technology, particularly women entering STEM fields.
Emily Thomas
Invisible Technologies – Senior Engineering Manager
Emily Thomas is a Chattanooga native who discovered her passion for technology through web design before earning a Computer Science degree from UTC.
She began her career at Bellhop, later worked at Iterable, and now serves as a Senior Engineering Manager at Invisible Technologies, helping teams deliver innovative software while working with emerging AI technologies.
Work Philosophy: Never be above getting your hands dirty. Strong teams are built by people willing to do the work.
Best Advice for Students: Nobody knows everything. Stay humble, stay curious, and always keep learning.
Emily Would Like to Mentor: Creative problem-solvers who are exploring how they fit into engineering and technology careers.
Erin Pasquith
Stanley Black & Decker – Product Design Engineer, Heavy Applications
Erin Pasquith joined Stanley Black & Decker's Heavy Applications Engineering group in 2021. Her career has included roles with Duracell, TVA, Gestamp, and Volkswagen, each providing opportunities to grow technically and professionally.
She earned two Associate of Applied Science degrees from Chattanooga State and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology from UTC.
Outside of work, she enjoys motorcycles, spending time with family, and exploring the outdoors.
Work Philosophy: Never stop learning. Stay humble, seek guidance, and focus on solutions rather than complaints.
Best Advice for Students: It's never too late to start over. Take calculated risks and don't stay stuck in situations that no longer serve you.
Erin Would Like to Mentor: A student committed to personal and professional growth who is driven by curiosity and continuous learning.