Nick Mangrum
Nicholas Mangrum, a junior majoring in electrical engineering at 麻豆果冻传媒,
credits his family and upbringing for inspiring his academic journey. Growing up on
a farm and frequently working alongside his father, an electrician, Mangrum found
himself drawn to the intricate world of circuits and electrical systems.
鈥淢y dad always brought me to job sites where we built electrical distribution centers,
basically large circuit breaker setups, for commercial projects like Publix and AT&T
buildings,鈥� he shared. 鈥淪eeing buildings before the drywall went up and understanding
how everything worked behind the scenes made me realize that this is what I wanted
to do.鈥�
Though Mangrum began his college career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga,
a friend鈥檚 recommendation led him to Tech. After taking a campus tour with his mom,
he was captivated by the university鈥檚 robust engineering program.
鈥淚 initially thought, 鈥業t can鈥檛 be that good,鈥� but once I saw the six engineering
buildings and the variety of curriculums, including nuclear engineering, I knew this
was the place for me,鈥� he said. A hands-on workshop during the tour further cemented
his decision.
At Tech, Mangrum values the hands-on curriculum.
鈥淓very class has a lab component, even math. It makes learning engaging and helps me truly understand the material,鈥� he noted.
He balances academics with involvement in the Campus Outreach program, which he describes
as 鈥渢he highlight of my week, being around students from different majors, sharing
our experiences, and growing together.鈥�
His work with the Center for Energy Systems Research (CESAR) has provided invaluable
experience.
鈥淚 got to observe and research alongside graduate students as they developed accelerometers
to measure seismic activity and designed energy-saving window tinting systems. All
of these things that are now located in the new Ashraf Islam Engineering Building.
It was an incredible learning opportunity,鈥� he said.
Mangrum hopes to stay on the commercial side of electrical engineering post-graduation,
aspiring to work for organizations like the Tennessee Valley Authority or Oak Ridge
National Laboratory.
鈥淚 want to design smart grid systems that can adapt during natural disasters, like
tornadoes, to keep power running safely and efficiently. I also dream of designing
automotive chips with fail-safes that ensures driver safety. The idea that a car can
protect me and my loved ones through advanced technology is fascinating to me,鈥� he
explained.
Despite the challenges of rigorous coursework, such as differential equations, Mangrum
appreciates the support from professors and tutors.
鈥淭he program鈥檚 difficulty has taught me time management and how to teach myself complex
topics,鈥� he said.
For him, 麻豆果冻传媒 is where his passion for electrical engineering thrives, his
skills sharpened and meaningful connections are made.