Bryan Skarke
Undergraduate in electrical engineering
Why did you choose UT Dallas?
I wanted to stay in Texas, and Dallas was a good spot — away from home near Houston, but not too far. The school has an attractive engineering program, and I knew the area was rich in industry. I also looked at Texas A&M and the University of Houston, and after touring all three, I realized I wanted a smaller school. I think there are better opportunities here.
What are you studying?
I’m not really far enough along to figure out exactly what I want to do, but after a great co-op experience at United Space Alliance in Houston I’m looking generally at digital systems and audio systems. United Space Alliance is the primary contractor in human space operations for NASA. Their responsibilities include work for the space shuttle and International Space Station programs.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Very generally, to find a job that initially or eventually allows me to design or work on new technology. I’d like to be working on something new and exciting, rather than constant support stuff.
What’s been hardest so far?
Time management. I’m trying to do a lot of good things personally, volunteer work and such, while at the same time remembering that I’m here to get good grades. I’m vice chairman of IEEE, and vice president of Alpha Phi Omega, a national coed service fraternity, so it’s like having two executive jobs plus school.
What’s been the most fun?
It’s very different from high school where they force you to learn this or that. Here I’m studying what I find interesting, which is so much fun.
What do you like most about student life at UTD?
Being at a medium-sized school means it’s easy to make a difference and have your voice heard. The student body is very diverse, and everyone brings in new ideas. That exposes you to other cultures and helps you grow as an individual. It’s important because that’s how industry works these days, very multicultural and multinational.
