CECS Student Experiences
Watch our graduate students talk about their experience
MS Computer Science
MS Engineering Management
MS Engineering
PhD Computational Science: Math
PhD Computational Science: Engineering
PhD Computational Science: Engineering
Read what our current graduate students and alumni have to say about their CECS experience.
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Engineering Management
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How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“It is well merged with my career goal. Influential mentor: Dr Hong Qin.”
Why UTC?
“The funding opportunity offered by Dr. Jejal Reddy Bathi brought me here. A funding opportunity compelled me to switch over to Dr. Sungwoo Yang. Meanwhile I have completed an MS under the supervision of Dr Bathi.”
Favorite areas in Chattanooga?
“River Bank and Foster Lake are my favorite spots.”
What opportunities have you had to gain other skills?
“Dr. Hong Qin allowed me to work with AI/ML/DL. AI is Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning is termed ML and Deep Learning is termed DL.”
Best part of going through the graduate program?
“Working with Dr. Hong Qin”
Advice for any incoming graduate students?
“Never say no and keep on going with patience.”
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Uday GhargeMS ‘18 Hometown: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India Current Job: Chemical Engineer, SKAPS Industries Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Chemical |
“Because of their advanced course structure and excellent research work, UTC helped me to gain specialized knowledge to advance in my current field. I took online courses for three semesters. The best things about online courses are there’s no need to go to school and you can easily access all the lectures, notes, assignments and exams through an online university account. Most importantly my master's courses are really helping me to understand all engineering-related skills.
As I was new in this country, many professors and seniors assisted me to explore the departmental activities, with registration for the proper subjects, and provided guidance for research work. There are many professors I reached out for guidance but Dr. Soubantika Palchoudhury, Dr, Neslihan Alp, and Dr. Prakash Dhamshala helped me a lot while pursuing a master's study.
During my master's study I got many opportunities such as working as a Research Assistant and having research work on Nanotechnology. In my last semester I got an Internship opportunity at ARCH Plastics, Chattanooga. I was also a member of the Graduate Student Association, an International Student organization, and spent a good time with many students from different countries. I really enjoyed my research work with Dr. Soubantika Palchoudhury on Nanotechnology and working as a teaching assistant to the Engineering Management department.”
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Dumbiri OdiaMS ‘22 Hometown: Benin City, Nigeria Job: Research Assistant for UTC Program Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Civil |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
UTC CECS offered classes in the Civil Engineering department that are relevant to my planned professional growth. With further assessment of the program’s Faculty members and the faculty – student ratio, I realized I would have an opportunity for good interactions with the faculty members, and it would be vital in learning not just the content of the academic curriculum but the necessities and professional requirements of an engineer.
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
I started off just wanting to improve my competence and efficiency in the field of construction and design. I can boldly say that I have achieved that and more. I was able to complete a graduate certification program in Construction Management and dived into the amazing world of transportation and research.
Now I can and want to contribute to the development of efficient transportation systems and infrastructures.
What have you liked about the MS program?
I have found the readiness and willingness of the faculty and staff members to help really fascinating. The interactions and relations with local organizations and companies are impactful on student development, and the provisions available to easy the learning process are commendable.
Did you take any online courses?
I did take some online courses and I loved the flexibility it offered. I was able to learn at my own pace and revisit lectures for clarity on items I initially missed.
What opportunities have you had during your degree to gain other skills?
I had a pretty short-lived experience as a Student Ambassador, and I enjoyed every moment it lasted. Most of my time was spent on research. The research opportunity helped me interact with professionals with years of experience under their belt, learn new skills and deeper contents of my study, and helped me build a passion around which my career is being remodeled.
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Faiza KhanMS ‘22 Hometown: Rawalakot, Pakistan Job: Research Assistant for UTC Program Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Civil |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
The research happening in the Civil Engineering Department seemed interesting and promising; that was one reason I chose UTC. Besides, the international community had a lot of good things to say about UTC so I took the leap.
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
I hope to work in the field of intelligent transportation/civil engineering as that’s my research area. Working as a research assistant has helped me get there and I have been introduced to new courses.
What have you liked about the MS program?
I’ve really liked the courses and the field work as it gives you hands on experience in the discipline. Also, I find the research very interesting.
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August 2023 |
How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“My interest in transportation engineering stems from hands-on experiences in my home country. My master’s program at UTC was hence focused on transportation, exposing me to advanced infrastructure issues and problem-solving. This background landed me in my current role, where I design highways and address transportation-related challenges. Dr. Ignatius Fomunung, my direct supervisor at UTC, was a key mentor. His expertise in transportation engineering provided valuable insights and exposed me to effective strategies for addressing infrastructure issues.”
Why UTC?
“As I mentioned my interest was in transportation engineering and UTC offered me a graduate research assistantship in a Tennessee Department of Transportation funded research project which convinced me that this program will be the best choice for my master’s degree.”
Favorite thing to do in Chattanooga?
“I absolutely love the hiking opportunities available in the Chattanooga area. I used to go to hiking often to take the pressure off from my graduate study and I was amazed by the varieties of scenery Chattanooga had to offer.”
Have you changed during your time at UTC?
“Absolutely. Being an international graduate student coming to the USA, at UTC I have made a lot of friends from various countries and also USA which have led me to learn a lot of foreign and American culture. The interactions and experiences with this diverse group of friends have not only broadened my worldview but have also contributed to my personal growth and adaptability in navigating different cultural contexts.”
Did you take any online courses?
“I have taken a few online courses. I have loved the flexibility the online courses offered in terms of when I can see the lectures. Also, I loved the feature that I could go back to any lectures I want to rewatch at any given time.”
What opportunities have you had to gain other skills?
“I have been a graduate research and teaching assistant throughout the MS program which has given me the opportunity to explore research methods and resources. I have also been a regular member of the UTC Climbing Club where I learned climbing.”
Best part of going through the graduate program?
“Lots. It is difficult to pin down one. I have been to research conferences. I have hiked a lot. I have made a lot of friends.”
Advice for any incoming graduate students?
“Graduate study can prove overwhelming sometimes. I would advise to take it one week at a time, organize the tasks and see to completing them based on their priorities.”
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Why did you choose UTC CECS?
UTC’s advanced laboratories in the field of power engineering, coupled with talented professors that have years of hands on experience and close ties to the industry made it an easy choice to apply to the CECS.
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
Being exposed to so many different possibilities, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I see myself in the future. However, I’m very interested in power system protection and its application in renewable energy. I took both courses early on in the MS program, and while it was challenging at times, my instructors were always there to help me every step of the way.
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Mitch LautigarMay 2019 Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana Current Job: Software/Electrical Engineer, Redstone Arsenal & Adjunct professor at UAH Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Electrical |
How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“When I was at UTC, I spent a lot of time programming and implementing engineering principles through a design lens. This is still what I do and I love it. My most influential and important mentor was Dr. Abdelrahman Karrar; he was my thesis advisor and is an excellent professor.”
Why UTC?
“I came to UTC as I had to stay close to my father after his surgery.”
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How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“The master’s in electrical engineering I obtained at UTC was a key factor in the progression of my career. It enabled me to secure a job first in California with an electric motorcycle company and now at Volkswagen in the development of electric vehicles. Dr. Raga Ahmed was a consistent positive influence throughout my time at UTC. Dr. Ahmed provided ample support while simultaneously allowing me to work independently.”
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Nina RiceMS ‘22 Hometown: Chattanooga, TN Job: Graduate Research Assistant at UTC SIM Center Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Mechanical |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
I had moved back in with my parents a year or two before starting at UTC to start fresh and was inspired to go back to school and try mechanical engineering. I chose UTC for my undergraduate degree because they are close to home and have an accredited engineering program. When I was approached about graduate school, I did consider applying to other places, but I decided to stay with UTC because my family has been a great support system for me, I liked Dr Sreenivas and felt he would be a good supervisor, and the research opportunity that was he offered sounded very interesting do me.
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
When I first started, I just wanted to be able to find a job I would be good at that wouldn’t leave me living paycheck to paycheck. The MS program has inspired me to do more and dream bigger. I now have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I am more motivated to not just have a job in engineering, but to have a career in something that inspires me and pushes me to keep learning and growing. The MS program provides more opportunities for me than I ever thought would be possible.
What have you liked about the MS program?
I feel like I have learned so much that is focused on my area of research, and it is preparing me for a career in something that I will have more interest and take pride in. I also like that the other graduate students are likeminded individuals who take their education seriously. They have all been very open to sharing their experiences and knowledge, and it has been a great experience learning and working with them through both courses and research.
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James SnuggsMS ‘22 Hometown: Chattanooga, TN Job: Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) as a Hypersonic Test Analyst Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Mechanical |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
I chose UTC CECS because I connected with my advisor, Dr. Sree, when I was an undergraduate student here. He helped me submit a conference paper based on my senior design project which started my journey in research. When I graduated, he had an exciting opportunity for me to work in the Hypersonics Lab in the SimCenter as a graduate student while I completed my masters. I knew I was going to study computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in a place with leading experts in that field as well as an amazing supercomputing facility in the SimCenter.
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
I wanted to break into the aerospace industry, specifically CFD /aerodynamics. It seemed like every job I wanted required a master’s degree at a minimum. Once I started applying for jobs with MS on my resume, I ended up with several great opportunities. Also, our faculty are connected to industry leaders - people I interviewed with knew my advisor and other UTC faculty, which gave me an advantage. The MS program gave me the vital experience, both in the classroom and the lab, that I needed to launch my career in aerospace.
What have you liked about the MS program?
I like how I was able to tailor my courses to CFD related subjects. I took classes which directly related to the work I was doing in the lab, which made me improve my skills on a daily basis. Also, I like the small class sizes; I got one-on-one help from instructors and made meaningful connections with my classmates.
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Why did you choose UTC CECS?
I had just got out of the US Navy and was ready to go back to school. I had a conversation with my wife about what should I do, and where should I go? She was the one who thought that engineering was a good idea, and I picked mechanical because I knew it most easily transferred to an aerospace type job.
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Dalton GavinDecember 2023 Hometown: Culleoka, TN Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Mechanical |
How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“The courses I have taken during my graduate studies have provided me with the opportunity to improve my engineering skill set. Several projects have helped me gain proficiency with many industry-standard tools, while other aspects of my coursework have tested my problem-solving skills and allowed me to work on other soft skills that will greatly benefit my ability to work well in a team environment. Two influential mentors of mine have been Dr. Trevor Elliott and Dr. Chuck Margraves who both have fostered a desire to be a lifelong student and ultimately helped me set the academic goal for earning an advanced degree.”
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How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“At my last job, I developed a passion for computer-aided engineering technologies, but I didn’t have enough of the specific skills required to pursue this field at the technical level I desired. My education at UTC has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to pursue these new career goals. 18 months ago, job applications for my “dream job” in computational fluid mechanics were a hopeful stretch, at best. Now I bring a competitive set of skills into the job market, fully equipped to do what I love. My education at UTC has opened many doors for me and my family.
My most influential mentor on campus has been my advisor, Dr. Kidambi Sreenivas. Working under his leadership for my research, I learn from his expertise on a daily basis. I’ve learned to see my field of study the way he sees it – like a real expert.”
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Chidinma OkafoezeMS '23 Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN Job: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Intern Graduate Program: MS Computer Science (Online) |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
During the 2020 pandemic I was interested in pursuing a Masters in Computer Science. I began searching for online programs in Tennessee and eventually came across the UTC website. I liked what was required for the program and the different curriculum options available sounded really interesting!
What is your career ambition and how is the MS program helping you get there?
I am aiming to become a software/data engineer. This career requires skills such as problem solving, logical thinking, written/verbal communication, detail orientation, and much more. UTC’s MS program has helped me to not only gain some of these skills, but also refine the skills I already have.
What have you liked about the MS program?
I’ve enjoyed being able to do a lot of research on the different areas of Computer Science in this program.
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Joshua Tyler(BS May 2020, MS December 2022, PHD December 2025) Hometown: Chattanooga, TN Graduate Program: MS Engineering: Electrical, PHD Computational Science: Computational Engineering Check out this blog about Josh’s story. |
Why UTC?
“I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering (EE) here at UTC in 2020. During my studies, I took Electromagnetic Fields and Waves with Dr. Reising. Over the duration of that class, I saw how dedicated he was to solving problems and not simply just doing a job. The next year, I took his Digital Signal Processing course and instantly fell in love with the material. My final year, I completed my senior project with him as my advisor, and we found that we had a lot of the same methodologies and philosophies about the scientific method. From that, I decided that I wanted to pursue a thesis-based MS with him as my advisor. What made the effort possible was the availability of a research assistantship with him that covered tuition, maintenance fees, and a stipend. Once I was accepted for both the degree and assistantship, the MS was the obvious path to pursue.”
How is the graduate program helping you get to your goal?
“My eventual goal is to become a researching scientist at an internationally recognized laboratory. Oak Ridge is currently the most attractive option. I have already been accepted to the Ph.D. in Computational Engineering through the SimCenter to continue my work with Dr. Reising, which will give me the credentials needed for that career. The capabilities that I have been able to develop over the course of the MS program have been significantly beneficial to making me capable of pursuing that goal. I have learned a lot about pursuing hypothesis and ensuring quality experiments.”
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Brennan HuberMS ‘20 Hometown: Paducah, KY Current Job: Application Developer/Analyst with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Graduate Program: PhD in Computational Science: Computer Science |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
Initially I went to TTU for athletics, but transferred to UTC as I felt it was a better fit for me in athletics. But what made me decide to stay for a Masters and a PhD was absolutely the professors. I really enjoyed how available the professors were and always willing discuss different topics of interest. Initially I took Dr. Kandah's Computer Networking course and I really enjoyed the topic so I went into office hours to discuss what careers would look like so I could look into it further. But in our discussions, he started talking about some of his research areas and I thought it was really interesting, so he had me read a few research papers and look into some of the tasks that he was working on in his research and the rest is history.
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Adam DeanMS ‘20 Hometown: Chattanooga, TN Current Job: Data Scientist with TVA Graduate Program: MS Computer Science |
Why did you choose UTC CECS?
I had recently gotten laid off from my job and moved back to Chattanooga (in parent's basement) and realized I would need more education to get my career where I wanted it to be. Computer Science or really more a technical field in general was a huge reason I chose the computer science path. In addition, relative to other options (i.e. MBA), computer required minimal prep and application process (GRE, references, etc). I do not think this is a bad thing - computer science is very niche and technical. Your ability to excel would not remotely be determined by these types of requirements. Ultimately, UTC was close to home and provided a great program. I could get started in a new field without extensive experience and not require the overwhelming stress and demands of a program like MIT or Georgia Tech. This is not said in a way to downplay UTC relative to top universities; UTC provided everything I needed at the level I needed.
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Justin RutledgeMay 2025 Hometown: Huntsville, AL Current Job: Federal Employee (US Army) / Software Product Manager Graduate Program: Computer Science |
How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“I decided to pursue an MS Computer Science degree for three primary reasons: to refresh my knowledge of theory and technique in the field, to familiarize myself with the current state of research, and to advance my understanding of emerging technologies such as machine learning and quantum computing.
I finished a BS Computer Science degree in 2015 from a different institution and have been working for government since then. I began government work as a junior software developer, worked briefly in field support for US Army telecommunication networks, and currently hold a position for the US Army as a civilian that facilitates the development of a government-owned software application used as a test tool for interoperability of missile defense systems.
I value being a lifelong learner and maintaining knowledge of current developments in my field. I believe familiarity with machine learning models and quantum information technologies will equip me to make informed decisions with regards to these technologies in public service over the course of my career, and to find novel applications as the technologies mature.
The most influential figure on campus to me so far has been Dr. Yu Liang, who holds high standards in the classroom and challenges his students to master the coursework. He has made himself available to me both in and out of class and I look forward to continuing to learn under his guidance.”
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Kent DerbyshireMS ‘20 Hometown: Waterton, NY Current Job: Senior Mechanical Engineer at Eaton Graduate Program: MS Engineering Management |
Why did you choose UTC CECS? I selected UTC after extensively researching the top online Engineering Management programs in the country. UTC’s program was affordable, and the coursework was more practical than other programs and directly related to my career ambitions.
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Jon MachnackiMS ‘20 Hometown: Canton, MI Current Job: Engineering Manager, Caterpillar Inc. Graduate Program: MS Engineering Management |
“I applied a rigorous and methodical approach to my school selection process. I considered overall cost, the quality of the online classroom experience, time to completion, rankings from various publications, and whether the curriculum offerings checked all the boxes I was looking for.
Comparing the curriculum offerings was an interesting exercise. I considered whether specific topics were “new” to me and got feedback from my leadership and Human Resources department regarding how useful they would be for my career growth. UTC scored well in the areas of management science, entrepreneurship, strategic management, and product development.
When I tallied up all the metrics, UTC emerged as the clear winner. It was an easy sell to my HR department that this program was the right choice.
There are many positives aspects about the program. The diversity of courses is a big one. Managers need a wide range of skills spanning leadership, financials, strategy, development, and quality. The broad portfolio of course offerings is great.
I would also highlight the interactions with students and teachers. UTC has nailed how to make this effective in an online environment.
Most importantly, I can consistently apply the material to both my professional and personal life. I view formal education programs as a transfer of knowledge that leaves it up to the students to decide what are the “golden nuggets” of learning. UTC made it easy to apply and reinforce the knowledge, and that is what I have been seeking.
All my courses were online. The two benefits that stand out to me are flexibility and the overall organization of the courses and materials. My job coupled with my family commitments can be demanding at times; the program allowed me to balance everything.
The clear takeaway is that this program helped fast-track me on a managerial career path. It has provided me the knowledge and skills to effectively lead and develop a team, manage our deliverables, effectively communicate with stakeholders and customers, and articulate a strategy for the future. “
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How have your studies in the program factored into your career goals? Any influential mentors on campus?
“My studies in the program have been instrumental in shaping my career goals. The program has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of engineering management, including leadership, project management, financial management, technology management, organizational behavior and team relations, supply chain and manufacturing, and data analytics. As for influential mentors, I can name Dr. Gregory, Dr. Kim and Dr. Varol, they have been a guiding force, offering valuable insights and advice throughout my academic journey.”