Today@Sam Article

Engineering Technology Dept. Hosts Tesla Guest

Feb. 7, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University is dedicated to paving academic pathways in preparing students for the workforce. One way this is achieved in the Department of Engineering Technology is by understanding the needs of industry employers like Tesla, an electric vehicle and clean energy company based in Austin, Texas, and connecting Bearkats to those industries.

“Internships are important to students in the engineering technology programs at SHSU. After preparing academically for the real-world job market, students know an internship will allow them to go out and use their skills and provide a potential gateway to their career,” said Michelle Boyd, undergraduate coordinator for career and technology.

Like many opportunities, SHSU’s connection to Tesla happened thanks to networking. During a Safety Conference, Ali Aljaroudi, assistant professor of Safety Management at SHSU, met Mary Jo Press, who serves as Senior Manager – Global EHS&S with Tesla.

Following that chance meeting, Aljaroudi worked with others in the Department of Engineering Technology to arrange a guest visit for Press to SHSU this past semester. During her visit, the Tesla executive toured the Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology Center, an innovative learning facility at SHSU that houses state of the art classrooms and specialized laboratories.

Press’ visit also included an information session with SHSU students, where she shared details about what it is like to work at Tesla and the types of internships available at the company’s new plant.  

As a result of the new connection, two SHSU engineering technology students, Y Luong and Maine Mizuno, are currently serving as Environment, Health and Safety interns with Tesla this semester.

“We look forward to building a relationship with Tesla that will benefit future students as well.  As the Department of Engineering Technology at SHSU grows, it is opportunities like this that will attract more students to our programs” said Ulan Dakeev, assistant professor of Engineering Design Technology.

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