Student Spotlights
Rusty DeBlassie
Rusty DeBlassie
Industry Field: Engineering / National Security
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Deputy Group Leader
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: BS Mechanical Engineering
What is your past work experience?
A: My work experience has been varied throughout my entire career. It has always been in a manufacturing environment and primarily centered around elastomers. In my prior positions, the industries varied from high voltage electrical connectors for the utility industry to automotive and aerospace components, to high pressure/high temperature down-hole seals and connectors in the upstream oil & gas industry. I have had the privilege of managing teams of engineers from various cultures and and backgrounds, including the US, Canada, China, Taiwan, and the UK. In my current position at LANL, I am leading a team of engineers responsible for manufacturing high consequence components that directly impact the national security of our country. My current position is, arguably, the most challenging, yet most rewarding position I have had in my entire career. The engineering team that I am currently leading are truly subject matter experts in our field and have the same common drive and determination that embodies the division I am a part of.
What are your career aspirations?
A: My career aspirations are to be the Division Leader of my current division. The reason for this is I would like to ensure that I continue to provide leadership to a team of people who have the same mission oriented focus and drive that I do. As a leader I am genuinely excited about the work I do and truly appreciate the people I work with. As a division leader I believe that I can foster the mission objectives into tangible results that will ensure our national security is always preserved.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose the METM degree for two different reasons. First, I have always wanted an advanced degree; either an MS in Mechanical Engineering or an MBA. I felt that I was never at a point in my career where I could make the time commitment work for me or if it fit my career aspirations. At LANL the opportunity checked both boxes. The second reason was I wanted to be an example for those on my team. Many of the engineers on my team are early career engineers (though some have a MS or PhD) and have career aspirations of being leaders. I felt that if I could be in leadership with all of the time commitments that go along with it, that many of my team would be motivated to continue their own educational goals. This would enable them to be the next leaders of LANL.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have learned from the other students in my cohort and previous cohorts that all of our varied and unique backgrounds bring perspectives to problems that empower each of us to develop a well-rounded solution. Additionally, I believe that we have developed a certain camaraderie with one another such that we are willing and able to support through unique situations. The other thing that I have learned from my current cohort, is that we are all equally driven to succeed.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment in life is finding a career position that is not only the most rewarding but has also enabled my wife and I to live in Northern New Mexico.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: Where do I begin? Maybe...my family has been in New Mexico since the mid-1500s? Maybe...I have a young vineyard and hope to begin producing wine in the next few years? How about...I got my first tattoo when I was 48?
Samuel Mote
Samuel Mote
Industry Field: Defense
Employer: RTX - Raytheon
Job Title: Engineer II
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: B.S. Electrical Engineering
What is your past work experience?
A: I began working in a research lab at Texas A&M during my sophomore year of college. I worked there at AggieFab until my graduation in Fall 2017. Shortly thereafter, I was employed by a local R&D business in College Station, Lynntech, Inc. As soon as HEB began buying land in Dallas, I knew it was time I made my own move to North Dallas for Raytheon Technologies, now RTX, in December 2021. I have been with RTX since then as the Photolithography Process Engineer in the Thin Film Networks team.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I aspire to be the CEO. I do not know that I might ever actually be lucky enough to land on that path, but I always set aspirations absurdly high to avoid complacency. I am driven by continual growth, so I aspire to the next advancement and the next advancement until I someday run out. Perhaps then I may take a 4-year stint as the President. 8 years would be greedy.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM while I was at a stage in my life debating pursuing a Master's degree among the options of Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Business Administration. In the middle of my investigations, I received an invitation for a dinner session for this program that blends technical knowledge, management skills, and business acumen. A well-timed email advertisement and a free meal later, and I knew I had found the program that would help me build exactly the blend of skills I was looking to have. Plus, the Houstonian in me is easily persuaded by good seafood.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: The other members of my cohort have shown me the different types of personalities that are equally valid for leaders. My mental image of a leader had always been the captain of the ship standing on the top deck looking down at the crew working while they look up at him not with fear but with respect and trust. The tough, stern, honorable image. I have found through my cohort that this image of power is not the only way to envision a successful leader. A good leader can also be willing to cry as they empathize with their team. A good leader can offer care and consideration before criticism. I have seen other members of my cohort exemplify these characteristics and be equally successful leaders as the ship captains, often better. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences give equally diverse approaches to leadership. The best of leaders understands how to exist among these traits utilizing the right tool for each individual occasion.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest life accomplishment was finding and marrying my wife, Zabrina. There is no one out in the world that can match my morals, humor, hobbies, and general energy as well as she does every day. This accomplishment will only be outdone in the near future by standing beside her as we begin to plan our family to raise some Aggies of our own. I would hold no value to the accomplishments in my life if I was unable to have someone as great as her to share it all with, so for me the word "greatest" can only be used in conjunction with the greatest wife. For me, the value of success is that which I can earn to improve our lives and what I can contribute to our home and lifestyle.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: Something unique about me is my philosophy of failure. I believe that if you try something and it succeeds, then you did not learn anything. But if you fail, can identify what failed, and replace the failing aspect with something else, you can advance the project or expand your knowledge. I love to experience failure so that I am given opportunities to learn. Instructions on how to succeed bore me. I prefer witnessing something fail repeatedly during testing to widely understand limitations and fail-states. These failures provide a wealth of data on where there is room for improvement and help us to design successful deliverables that account for all functionality and safety concerns. By the time something is ready for public use I expect that all reasonable fail-states have been provided for or completely resolved. I live by this philosophy both at work and in my own personal home projects.
Matthew Zediak
Matthew Stephen Zediak
Industry Field: Government
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Engineering Technologist
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
What is your past work experience?
A: After graduating from New Mexico State University in 2018 I started working at Mission Support and Test Services MSTS in Los Alamos fielding National Security missions and experiments. In 2021, I was hired by Los Alamos National Laboratory Pit Technologies division PT-5 where I worked on weapons design and the pit production mission. I currently live in Nevada and am working with J division Nevada operations supporting the integrated weapons experiments at the Nevada Test Site.
What are your career aspirations?
A: To help people reach their full potential. The goal down the road is to lead a team of extremely technical individuals and, with that, create a high-functioning team.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I attended the PHD presentation in Los Alamos that was given by Dr. Zoghi. He was so passionate and optimistic about the future of our country. I did some reading about METM, and it was exactly what I wanted to pursue: a technical engineering approach to management that also covered the business aspects of management.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: The students and teams I’ve worked with have humbled me by the amount of professionalism and hard work they’ve shown. I’ve learned to listen and pay attention to the small details of how they operate and conduct themselves. It’s inspiring to be around such an amazing group of people.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest life accomplishment was going back to school at 30 and finishing my degree
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I was in 5th grade and was on the intercom system at school (I was chosen to be the voice) doing a raffle of a giant stuffed animal. I pulled out the raffle number, and it ended up being me winning the raffle! Not so funny to a lot of people but I guess I’m just lucky!
Bryan Ignatow
Industry Field: Information Technology
Employer: Raytheon
Job Title: Infrastructure Architect
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Computer Science.
What is your past work experience?
A: I've had a diverse work history from a staff member at Texas A&M University, to federal research programs, telecommunications, consulting, pre-sales engineering, and cloud & data center infrastructure architecture. I've worked for customers in just about every industry from financial services, manufacturing, federal government, hospitality, and healthcare to my current role at a defense and aerospace company. I consider my diversity and over 30 years of experience from entry level employee to director as an asset I bring to any project I am involved with.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I've held roles from an individual contributor to a leader, and lead large and small teams, both domestic and international. In my current role, I am working down the strategy and architecture tract at Raytheon with my sights set on achieving a Certified Architect role and then becoming a Technical Fellow. For me this is a new kind of leadership, and I look forward to the challenges growing into this role will bring me.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I was seeking a Master’s program to elevate my skills and launch me into my next career path. I considered an MBA but that style of program was not as good a fit given my extensive engineering background, and I also considered a law degree since I have a love for words & language, both their meaning and nuances. As a graduate of the Texas A&M Class of 1990, I always kept an eye out for graduate programs at the University that I could complete remotely while working. When I came across the Master of Engineering in Technical Management, I knew this was the right program for me. It addressed my engineering background and allowed me to stretch my leadership and business acumen at the same time. It was the perfect balance, and I have been very successful in both my personal growth and expanding my knowledge, taking advantage of everything the program has to offer.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: It’s easier to ask what I haven't learned. We are a very diverse and active cohort and take great pride in supporting each other. The mix of personality types, background, and experiences means I learn something new with everyone I work with or when talking to one of my fellow classmates. We have become one large family and it’s not a competition— we are all here to see everyone succeed.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: I had many notable experiences in my life. From traveling the world in my career to working on a drilling ship in the middle of the Atlantic for 56 straight days. I take great pride in my family and in raising 3 amazing children. Each thing I accomplish is a step towards the next greater thing. Right now, my greatest life accomplishment is excelling at my Master of Engineering degree and pushing myself harder than I ever have. And it doesn't hurt to show your adult children that if you apply yourself, you can do anything. I look forward to walking across the stage in 6 months and continuing to use everything I've learned to achieve my career goals before I retire in about 15 years.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I'm an avid woodworker and enjoy home improvement projects as a way to relax. I use woodworking as a way to demonstrate that what you do is not a hobby... not a job... and it’s even more than a career. It’s a craft to be perfected. It doesn't mean you are perfect at everything you do. I have discarded many failed attempts, but time, patience, and practice are the way to make yourself better. That, and with hard work and a YouTube video, you can learn to build or repair anything.
Mandi Routon
Industry Field: Medical Device
Employer: Boston Scientific
Job Title: Process Development Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: I graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2020 as a double major in biomedical and mechanical engineering. I took one year to work as a process development and R&D co-op for Boston Scientific at the Spencer, Indiana and Marlborough, Massachusetts sites. I joined Boston Scientific full time as a manufacturing engineer in Maple Grove, Minnesota, moved to R&D in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and now work as a process development engineer back in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Throughout my time at Boston Scientific, I have worked in Urology, Endoscopy, and Interventional Cardiology.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I aspire to lead people whether that be as a people leader or technical leader. In either role, I want to inspire and impact others positively through empowerment.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM because although I did not go to Texas A&M for my undergraduate degree, I grew up attending Aggie football games with my dad, who graduated in the class of '85. Other than being an Aggie at heart, looking at the curriculum for the program, I was intrigued by the balance of emotional intelligence and business courses. I felt this program would allow me to become a more well-rounded leader and engineer.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have learned so much from everyone in this cohort. From the different technical backgrounds to the different life experiences, I try to absorb as much information as possible. I have learned about different communication preferences and how people are best supported as we each push through the semester and our day-to-day tasks.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest life accomplishment thus far is having the opportunity to live in different states and countries to see God's beauty in both people and nature.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I completed a 45-mile mountain bike race in Duluth, Minnesota without training. I only ate it once and only suffered for 9 hours.
Maile Guieb
Industry Field: HVAC
Employer: McMillan James Equipment Company
Job Title: Sales Executive
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: I have worked as a sales representative in the HVAC industry for 6.5 years. The first 3 years were in Anchorage, Alaska until I moved to Austin, Texas in 2020.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I am passionately committed to empowering and inspiring future female engineers in the HVAC industry. Breaking through glass ceilings is a personal mission of mine, as I firmly believe that these barriers are meant to be shattered. My overarching goal is to pave the way for aspiring women in the field, showcasing that they can not only excel but also thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries like HVAC. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where their mental well-being and self-confidence are nurtured, ensuring that they can navigate challenges and succeed with resilience.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose the METM program because of its strong focus on emotional intelligence in management. Having experienced both good and bad managers in my career, I aspire to be an exceptional leader for future engineers. This two-year program has provided me with invaluable insights and practical skills that far exceed what I would have learned in over a decade of on-the-job experience. I'm driven by the belief that effective management involves not just technical expertise but also understanding and nurturing the emotional needs of a team. The METM program has been transformative, equipping me with the tools to foster emotional intelligence, effective communication, and empathetic leadership. In just two years, I've made significant progress that would have taken much longer to achieve in the field alone. I'm confident that these skills will enable me to excel as a manager and create a work environment where both technical excellence and emotional well-being thrive, benefiting our future engineers and the entire team.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I've come to recognize that we all come from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience, but our shared goal is individual improvement. I've found inspiration in my classmates, each of whom possesses unique qualities I admire and hope to adopt. It's a testament to the richness of our collective learning journey.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My most significant life accomplishment was embarking on a solo journey from Alaska to Texas, completing the trip in just six days. This adventure represented more than a change of scenery; it symbolized my commitment to a fresh start in a warmer climate and prioritizing my mental well-being above all else.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I believe my life's purpose is to be a source of light in the darkness of others.
Jeff Phillips
Industry Field: Oil & Gas
Employer: DOF Subsea
Job Title: Project Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: B.S. in Ocean Engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: Most of my career has been in offshore oil and gas installation work. It has allowed me to see different parts of the world that I wouldn't have otherwise. I did a 2 and half year rotation in Angola for a previous company. The high-level summary of my responsibilities has been to design the offshore operations for client required IRM/Mooring work as well as travel offshore to oversee the technical side of the projects.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I don't really have specific end goals or a title that I want in my career. I would say my 5 year aspirations would be to be working in renewables in some capacity.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: Prior to learning about the program, I had been looking into MBA programs as a way to make a change and for continued education. I wanted to get into more of a management role and when I went to an informational session with Dr. Zoghi, this seemed like exactly the type of program that I was looking to be a part of. The basis of the program aligns very closely to my opinion of how a successful manager gets the best out of their people. The classes on decision making and financial analysis are a bonus to that material.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: Quite a few of the other students are already in leadership positions and it has been really great to be able to get lessons from them on how they manage their direct reports. They've been able to share details of what to expect at higher levels of an organization.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: I would say at this point it has been the number of places around the world that I have been lucky enough to visit. I still have a long list of destinations to see, but I've been able to check a few bucket list places off.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I had a stroke when I turned 30. Apparently my body wanted to get a head start on what that would be like before I was at retirement age.
Josh Willard
Industry Field: Government
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Nuclear Facilities Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: Most of my career has been in Commercial and Industrial construction. I've worked on a variety of projects from museums to power plants. I have an engineering degree, but my career path led me more towards Project Management and away from more technically oriented engineering roles. My enrollment in the METM program coincided with a pivot into an engineering role at LANL, which is something I've wanted to do for a while now.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I would like to move into a managerial role in the next few years and the METM program will accelerate that process.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: The METM program appealed to me because of its flexibility. With four kids, my family calendar is full. Most weeks, I am able to tend to my family and work demands during the week and tackle my coursework on Saturday and/or Sunday. When we have had travel or other activities planned, I have been able to complete the work on weeknights. In the busiest weeks, I can still catch up on lectures and readings on my phone or laptop while traveling and complete any writing once the kids are all in bed.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone in our cohort, as we spent time together during the residency week, and continued to work together on assignments during the semester. It was clear from the beginning that this self-selected group was full of men and women with drive and ambition. Learning their stories and building my professional network has been fuel for my own career growth as much as any of the content I'm learning in our classes.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My life's great work has been—and continues to be—raising four wonderful children, who are currently 6, 9, 11, and 12. For most of their lives, I accepted limited career options to raise our kids close to other relatives. Two years ago, we decided to relocate our family and I decided personally to re-invest in my career. Professionally, my greatest accomplishment has been more than doubling my salary in the last two years, and joining an organization with incredible lateral and upward mobility. Joining the METM program has been part of that process. I know this degree will give me skills which will help me further leverage my career growth.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I have an identical twin brother.
Austin Gary
Industry Field: Commercial Construction
Employer: Linbeck Group, LLC
Job Title: Project Manager
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: BBA with a concentration in Management.
What is your past work experience?
A: I started my career in construction managing structural concrete construction projects in downtown Houston. I’ve been a part of projects ranging from 2-story parking garages to 42-story high rise apartments.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I hope to continue in the construction industry with aspirations to manage a region or branch off and start my own company.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I saw the METM program as a unique opportunity to diversify my skillset and strengthen the foundation built through industry experience. The program places emphasis on emotional intelligence as a key trait in effectively leading others. In addition to the focus on emotional intelligence, the technical courses are taught by industry leaders with real time experience managing cross functional teams in various industries. From Financial Decision Making and Value Chain Management to Contract and Risk Management, the program content touches it all. The knowledge and skills I am learning can be applied immediately in my professional and personal life. It has been a fantastic experience and I am pleased with my decision to join the Aggie family in pursuit of a Masters of Engineering Technical Management.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have enjoyed learning of similar workplace struggles and learning the various ways to overcome them in other industries. At the end of the day, all industries have common ground - people. How we manage people within our industries is what will set us apart.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: I’ve got a lot of life left to live and I will continue to learn and grow throughout the many phases of life. To date I am most proud of my career in construction. I had no experience and was struggling to find a firm that would give me a chance. With a BBA, I signed on to perform general labor on a high rise in Houston, within 3 years I had excelled into a management role managing $40m in projects and years ahead of many peers with more experience.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I lived in Southeast Asia as a child, traveling to various countries with my family. I believe those unique experiences helped mold me into the empathetic leader I am today.
Ava M Holley
Industry Field: Government
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Project Manager
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Business Management.
What is your past work experience?
A: I have been a project manager in very diverse environments, ranging from Bio Medical - pre drug development, to Healthcare/Care Management, to Department of Energy Government. Because of the very diverse environments, I have had to become familiar with regulations and guidelines across each industry, ranging from National Institute of Health (NIH), to Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), to Department of Energy (DOE). This has taught me to be readily available and eager to change and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to change. I hope to continue in my knowledge growth and development in becoming the "change".
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I came across the METM program through work. I had obtained my MBA in 2010 and was interested in the approach of the METM program. I felt that though the foundation was similar, the approach was very different. Different in that during my MBA program I had no EQ consideration or transformational leadership guidance. I was very excited to learn and adapt to new leadership techniques and have the ability to apply them in a technical environment.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: Everyone is great! We are all full-time employees, parents, coaches, leaders, etc. and continue to provide support for one another without the feeling of impediment. There are always at least 20 hands out whenever help is needed.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: Setting an example for my daughter! I was 19 when I became pregnant with her. As a single mother, I made it a point to get an education, work hard and show her that it can BE DONE! She is now approaching 19 and her second year of college. Having her tell me that she looks up to me and I motivate her brought tears to my eyes and pure joy! I will continue to work hard and show her that you can achieve anything you put your mind to no matter the challenges you are facing.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I have to plan everything! I believe it’s because I have always juggled so many responsibilities. Beginning at a young age, I had to ensure all was planned and scheduled so that nothing was missed.
Stephen Craft
Industry Field: Aerospace/Defense
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Systems Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Computer science from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I also have a master's degree in science writing from MIT.
What is your past work experience?
A: I spent about 10 years twiddling my thumbs in IT before realizing that I hated it, went back to school, worked briefly as a freelance science writer, then fell completely by accident into systems engineering. Since then I've worked in ecology, commercial aerospace, and now government aerospace and national defense. My work at LANL affords me opportunities to sit in the same rooms as some astoundingly smart people who work on planetary science, heliophysics, nuclear treaty monitoring, and a bunch of other stuff that's just waaaaay over my head.
What are your career aspirations?
A: Do cool stuff. Honestly, that's it — do cool stuff. Find projects that I find entertaining and intellectually stimulating, in which I get to work with passionate and intelligent people.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: The syllabus sounded like the sweet spot in the Venn diagram of engineering and soft skills. The fact that I could do it while working, and have my employer pay for it, sure didn't hurt.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: As in all things in life, there are people just skating by and there are people who are invested, interested, and passionate. For me, the trick in life is finding the second kind of people and learning from them. My cohort is chock full of 'em, so I consider myself a lucky person to be in their midst.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My marriage. My wife is the most intelligent, kind, generous, and compassionate person I've known. Her one weakness is terrible taste in men, which I work shamelessly to my advantage.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: There are more than six times as many people in my METM cohort as there were in my high school graduating class.
Gunther Schulze
Industry Field: IT Consulting
Employer: IBM Corporation
Job Title: Account Technical Leader
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
What is your past work experience?
A: When I originally graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991, I pursued employment as an analytical chemist. I worked at a chemical plant located on the Houston Ship Channel until 2000. My experience as an analytical chemist taught me how important attention to detail is. Many of my analyses and calculations could affect the plant's production and safety. When I left the chemical industry, I entered the information technology field, having had significant experience at the plant, deploying automation in the laboratory. I spent much time learning hardware and software over the next two years and eventually arrived at Hewlett-Packard Co. I spent approximately the next 16 years working with oil and gas companies aligning HP's technology with their business goals. Additionally, I achieved my first management position during this time. As HP changed over time, I left and entered the open-source area joining Red Hat. After two years, I joined IBM, focused on the utility industry.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I endeavor to enter people management again. Having extensive experience and knowledge in various industries and information technology, I hope to help the younger generations succeed and achieve their goals. Being a mentor and a mentee has helped me in my career over the decades. I hope to use what I have learned through the METM program to affect positive change in the people I work with.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I had been seeking an academic affirmation of my capabilities for many years. I had never found a program such as the Texas A&M METM program. Being a Texas A&M Former Student, I was looking at what was being offered and came upon this new program in the College of Engineering. I was sold after attending an informational session and speaking with Dr. Zoghi. I have been grateful ever since.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: The most important thing I have learned from other students in my METM cohort is how younger generations think and work. I had been puzzled for many years as my generation is much different. Through my interactions and the teamwork that I have done, I now have an appreciation and understanding that I could never have achieved elsewhere. I now pay much closer attention to the emotional and physical aspects of human interactions in the workplace. I have learned quite a bit thanks to my cohort and the partnering required in the METM program.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest life accomplishment has been my role as a father and husband. I have led a very structured life that my German immigrant parents taught me. The hard work in pursuing a college degree as the first in my family enabled me to develop a work ethic that has served me well in life. Imparting these same tenets to my children and seeing their success is gratifying.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I am very well-traveled, having done so extensively for my employment. My wife and I intend to do more on a personal level as our children move on with their lives. Exploration of the African continent is at the top of my list.
Garrett Scott LaPaglia
Industry Field: Information Technology
Employer: Texas A&M University
Job Title: Director of Information Technology
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Applied Technology and Performance improvement
What is your past work experience?
A: I have 15 years of experience in IT and leadership at Texas A&M. I worked my way up from entry-level end-user support to executive leadership in the second-largest college on campus. It has been a high honor and pleasure to serve the university and its citizens.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I am passionate about service, team building and helping people actualize their potential personally and professionally. As such, I aspire to a role in which I can make the largest impact in those areas.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I have loved Texas A&M my entire life, but not until I found METM did I discover a program so perfectly geared towards creating and enhancing superb leaders in engineering and technology. I saw great value in their flexibility for working professionals and in the goals of their curriculum.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: It has been edifying to get to know and work with such a range of communication styles, personalities and skills. I have so appreciated the support and understanding from my classmates. Navigating the program is so much more comfortable when everyone is behind you.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: I am head-over-heels in love with my wife of 18 years. My life with her and our 11-year-old twins is my greatest accomplishment.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: When I am not at work or studying for the program, I teach Bible classes at our church and serve as a pastoral care minister.
Daniel Roger Pearson
Industry Field: Defense
Employer: Raytheon Technologies
Job Title: Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RIS) Configuration Management/Data Management (CM/DM) Colorado/Nebraska (CO/NE) Region Department Manager
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Bachelor's of Science in Political Science from Texas A&M - WHOOP Class of 2002
What is your past work experience?
A: NDIA Certified CMDM Manager and Raytheon Six Sigma Specialist with extensive experience in evaluating and writing change proposals, waivers, and deviations for accuracy, completeness, and compliance against baselined requirements. Subject Matter Expert in the field of CM, a systems engineering process for establishing and maintaining consistency of a product's performance, functional, and physical attributes with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its life.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering with an emphasis in CM. I enjoy working for Raytheon Technologies, which allows me to practice and implement the CM discipline.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM because an Aggie education is invaluable. Furthering my education and picking a Master's program through Texas A&M engineering is a no-brainer. I wanted a program that would fit me and help me grow in the areas of what I like to call "people management." As someone with a Bachelor's Liberal Arts degree, I wanted to expand my knowledge base and continue to grow professionally and personally. The METM program is an excellent fit for my Master's program goals.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have learned that everyone, I mean everyone has a life story. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. Some of my classmates overcame some severe obstacles to succeed.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: I would say my greatest life accomplishment is being in a field where I have seen firsthand Space Shuttle launches. Today I help the world by upgrading the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is something billions around the globe use every single day!
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I own several classic vehicles.
Kimber Pizzini
Industry Field: Aeronautics
Employer: Lockheed Martin
Job Title: Systems Engineer, Staff
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
What is your past work experience?
A: I served honorably in the United States Navy for 5 years (2008-2013). Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, I attended Airframe and Powerplant school while working full-time at a local FBO as a manager of operations. Upon completion of A&P school, I accepted a position with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as a Structural Mechanic, building the cockpit of the F-35 Lightning II. I then moved up the ranks as a Final Assembly Supervisor where I led a team of mechanics, avionics techs as well as coaters. From there, I transitioned to a Project Management and Planning Operations Representative Senior. In this position, I worked as a constraint manager in Final Assembly supporting the F-35. Upon completion of my bachelor's degree, I moved into a position within Systems Engineering, where I am the Systems Engineering Lead for IUID on the F-35 program.
What are your career aspirations?
A: My career aspirations include continued support of the United States Military in the civilian sector. I intend on moving up the ranks within Lockheed Martin becoming a well-rounded leader and supporting the warfighter.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM because once talking with the staff, I could see that this program was going to be an invaluable learning experience, versus just a degree. I saw this as an excellent opportunity to not only grow academically but personally as well through an in-depth look at my emotional intelligence. Something I feel is severely lacking within the corporate sector.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: In our cohort, I have seen tremendous amounts of growth, professionally as well as personally. We truly care about each other and want to see each other succeed and I am glad to know each and every one of them.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment in life has been my two children, Boston (3) and Kennedy (1). They give me a sense of purpose and I am honored to be their mom!
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: One unique thing about me is that I have climbed a 14,000ft mountain (Mt. Antero in Buena Vista, Co.)
Steven Martinez
Industry Field: Data Center Operations
Employer: Meta
Job Title: Critical Facility Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology.
What is your past work experience?
A: I spent about nine years serving in the United States Navy, where I operated and maintained nuclear propulsion plants on board their submarines. My final assignment was managing a division of people responsible for planning, coordinating and executing maintenance activities during scheduled outages. After I left the Navy, I began my career in Data Centers as a Critical Facility Engineer for Facebook in Prineville, Oregon. I spent two and a half years there before transferring to the Facebook site in Fort Worth, Texas.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I want to gain knowledge and skills that will position me to be able to maximize the number of people who I can positively impact and make happy.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM because the curriculum allows for growth both as a professional and as a person, and I could complete the program while keeping a full-time job. The emotional intelligence aspect of the program is unique, and I was and still am excited to be a part of the Aggie community.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: They have taught me the power and support that accompanies being an Aggie.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: Marrying the love of my life and having two amazing children with her.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I practice several different martial arts and am working towards advanced rankings in each of them.
Marc Reid
Industry Field: Oil & Gas
Employer: TechnipFMC
Job Title: Inventory & Asset Supervisor
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Supply chain and logistics technology.
What is your past work experience?
A: I have a hybrid work experience with field and project base knowledge. Working and planning multi-million dollar projects in the tech industry and innovation in saving man-hours and costs.
What are your career aspirations?
A: The goal is to transition into offshore installation engineering or move into a higher leadership role.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I chose METM because it would help diversify my professional career because of working with engineers and applying that to my everyday work life.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have learned to be adaptable and empathize with different situations to help maximize my group's potential.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: Becoming an Aggie.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I have a love and passion for commercial aviation and traveling.
Angel Alejandro Gonzalez
Industry Field: Telecommunications and Outsourcing Solutions
Employer: Group O, Inc.
Job Title: Industrial Engineer
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Industrial engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: My professional experiences revolve around aerospace manufacturing, oil & gas hydraulic fracturing environments, and supply chain optimization systems.
What are your career aspirations?
A: My self-actualization mindset and being a first-generation college graduate continuously promote my endeavors. I continuously seek to build myself professionally and assist my community members where I can help to multiply success.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: Networking and building trust are among my top priorities to impact and promote future leadership. As a life-long learner, the METM provides continual learning and interaction with other industry members and diverse minds.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: Transformational Leadership is practiced differently in all fields. As long as we are respectful, empathic, and open to evolving, we can build mutual trust within our network.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: Thriving through the uncertainty as a former DACA recipient and immigrant from Central Mexico and reaching a spot in a top-rated US graduate program.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I have two loving huskies, twenty-six tropical fish, and a poodle as unofficial dependents.
Ryan Keyser
Industry Field: Facility Design Engineering
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Design Engineering Team Lead / Design Manager
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Mechanical engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: I always knew I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. After getting my undergraduate degree, I pursued a master of divinity degree in starting churches and even served as an associate pastor for a few years. I eventually returned to engineering, desiring to serve where my technical talents could be put to work. Since working at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the facilities design engineering division, I have rapidly progressed through the ranks.
What are your career aspirations?
A: I love teaching and making a difference in the lives of individuals. I love that management weds these two passions into a meaningful career! I have often thought that after a robust career in management, I may retire early to become a university professor.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I love that Texas A&M's METM program not only is designed to fill the gaps I had as a manager but that it also has a strong focus on EQ development.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have been thoroughly impressed by how diverse our cohort is! We have people from many walks of life, representing a diverse array of professions and industries. I love how friendly and helpful our cohort is. It doesn’t matter if you are having difficulty with homework or life, someone will help you out.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest life accomplishment is my family.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I have a passion for fixing and building things. While in school I worked as a mechanic to gain hands on experience in a trade knowing it would make me a better engineer. After five year of coming home to my family smelling like gasoline, I now refuse to work on cars.
Jacquelyn Lopez-Barlow
Industry Field: Quality Engineering and Manufacturing
Employer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Job Title: Deputy Division Leader
What type of bachelor's degree did you earn?
A: Chemical engineering.
What is your past work experience?
A: I am the Deputy Division Leader for the Production Agency Quality organization and have worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 19 years. I began my career with LANL as a student while getting a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of New Mexico. After attaining my degree, I began working as a process engineer in actinide aqueous separation, oxide processing, and pyrochemical operations. In 2011, I became an engineering manager for 238Pu Operations supporting development, production, and surveillance activities. In 2015, I was appointed a program manager for the Power Systems Programs and Weapons Production Agency. By 2021, I transitioned to help lead the production quality assurance organization and am continuing to lead special projects for LANL. Throughout my career, I have supported Defense, NASA, and Non-Proliferation programs at LANL.
What are your career aspirations?
A: Looking back ten years ago, I have accomplished more than I thought I would have. My career aspiration has always been to be a leader, solve problems and do the best I can.
Why did you choose the Master of Engineering Technical Management program?
A: I considered other programs for years and finally chose the METM program because it had all the right elements that I wanted to learn and a structure that met my needs. The other thing that sold me on the program was how much all the Texas A&M alumni I worked with loved the university and how excited they were for me.
What have you learned from other students in the cohort?
A: I have learned to listen more and communicate better because everyone brings a different style. We are from different industries and there are some in similar industries, but the conversations we have are great.
What is your greatest life accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment so far is having my family and amazing life. I also had the privilege to work on Perseverance Mars Rover, and getting updates about what we're finding is so cool.
Tell us one unique thing about yourself.
A: I love art, architecture and history. I could spend all day in a museum or walking around taking pictures of buildings. There is so much beauty that comes through and there are stories being told. I want to learn about the people who made the artworks, who built the buildings, and the events that happened.