Student Profile – Kyle Fitzpatrick
Kyle Christopher Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University (SJSU), originally from Martinez, California. Raised by a single dad, he is the first in his family to pursue a college degree, which pushed him even harder to get straight A’s in all of his classes. Kyle’s journey to academia wasn’t conventional. He chose to serve in the Navy for four years, then fueled by a desire for change and a passion for engineering, he decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
His passion lies in renewable energy, and committing to environmental sustainability goals. Kyle envisions himself in the future making a tangible impact by designing and implementing innovative renewable energy resources. This aspiration led him to choose SJSU’s College of Engineering, where he felt a sense of belonging during his campus tour.
Thanks to his military service Kyle has received financial support from the GI bill, but it can only go so far in the heart of the Valley. Receiving support through the Silicon Valley Engineering Scholarship has eased some of the financial burdens for Kyle. This support allowed him to invest in essential resources like a new laptop and school supplies, alleviating stress about rent and other expenses, and allowing him to excel further in his academic career.
Reflecting on his journey, Kyle emphasizes self-belief and perseverance. Despite initial doubts about his academic capabilities, his military experience has helped him find a sense of resilience and determination. His advice to others facing similar doubts is simple yet profound: try, stating that “Many people turn down opportunities because they think it is beyond their capabilities, but you’ll never know until you try.”
Looking ahead, Kyle’s plans after graduation are ambiguous. His ultimate goal is to establish his own renewable energy business. However, he recognizes his current skill level and the importance of gaining further hands-on experience and knowledge before starting this entrepreneurial endeavor. Post-graduation, he plans to explore opportunities in research or startups to refine his engineering skills and broaden his understanding of the industry.
SJSU’s College of Engineering does not see Kyle Christopher Fitzpatrick as just a student, but a visionary driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the world through sustainable innovation. His journey is an example of the transformative power of self-belief and determination, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds, or just try.
Women’s History Month – WIE coverage
ON MARCH 16, 2024 OVER 670 INDIVIDUALS attended the 10th annual Women in Engineering Conference hosted by San José State University’s Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering. Among the attendees, over 44 colleges and universities were represented, and 23 sessions surrounding topics such as responsible technology, human and technology, sustainable future, and technology frontiers were given by various speakers.
The theme of the conference was “Responsible Engineering for a Better Future” and it gave women in engineering a chance to Learn, Connect, and Be inspired. Attendees were able to expand their knowledge about cutting-edge technologies such as sustainable supply chains, responsible artificial intelligence, sustainable water management, ChatGPT and beyond, future trends in robotics and human interaction as well as advice on job and internship searches.
Thank you to the sponsors: The Mark and Carolyn Guidry Women in Engineering Program Fund, Dexcom, Google, Netgear, Applied Materials, ASML, Erica Lockheimer, IBM, KLA, Lockheed Martin, Marvell, Synopsys and TSMC. Your generous support is vital to the success of the Women in Engineering Conference.
To learn more about Women in Engineering, visit the WiE website.
Discussing the potential TikTok ban – Prof. Ahmed Banafa
A new bill targets TikTok, potentially forcing its Chinese parent company to divest or face a U.S. ban. With 170 million American users, content creators face fears about the impact on businesses and free speech rights. Explore what technology professor Ahmed Banafa predicts about the application’s future.