Patrick Nsengiyumva

electrical and computer ENGINEERING, B.S.

"As an engineer at the world’s largest aerospace company, my work helps shape the course of history and improves the lives and safety of so many people here in the U.S. and around the world."

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
My interest in electrical and computer engineering dates back to my childhood. I had always been curious of how electronic systems work. As a native of a developing country in Africa, I knew I wanted to study ECE because electrical and computer engineers design products that are central to the survival of humankind and continue to meet the challenges of our increasingly complex and connected world.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I liked that the CBU College of Engineering maintained small class sizes. In addition, the CBU program equipped me with a set of skills that served me well in both graduate schools and industry.

What did you think about your professors?
My professors (even the dean of the CBU College of Engineering) were always there to guide me and make sure that I reached my potential. The majority of my professors also had an open-door policy to students, and I always felt comfortable stopping by even outside of designated office hours.

Did you complete an internship?
I did one internship abroad at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Kigali, Rwanda. At RDB, I worked in their information technology (IT) department and solved daily customer IT issues. The internship experience was also indispensable for my career development because I got to see how a business-oriented government agency works, which in many ways parallels a private corporate setting. I also learned about RDB’s vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment and technological innovation.

Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I was a member of the CBU IEEE Student Chapter. This student-led organization enhanced my intellectual growth and helped me apply what I learned in classes through various engineering projects and competitions such as the Micromouse Competition. I was also involved with intramural flag football at CBU. Playing flag football was a great way to make new friends outside of class and have fun at the same time.

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
The CBU program did more than just teaching me technical skills. CBU also helped me grow spiritually (through weekly chapel opportunities) and socially (through various student events).

Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, my major at CBU helped me figure out my purpose, which is to glorify God and serve others for God’s kingdom. As an electrical engineer, I use my God-given gifts of technical knowledge and practical abilities to solve problems so that God is glorified, and society is improved.

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
Upon the completion of my CBU undergraduate program, I pursued and completed two graduate programs: M.S. (2014) and Ph.D. (2018), both in electrical engineering.

I am also the first author and co-author for 8 peer-reviewed journal publications and 13 conference proceedings. For example, I have journal papers published in IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science and several conference papers in Government Microcircuit Applications & Critical Technology Conference, IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, Radiation Effects on Components and Systems, IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, IEEE International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems.

I was also an engineering intern at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, CA, from August 2017 until November 2017.

I am currently a full-time digital design and radiation effects engineer at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, CA.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
At CBU, I learned the significance of public speaking and the importance of delivering a good presentation. These skills have always served me well in many aspects of my personal and professional life.

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I continue to make a difference and live my purpose through my job and fellowship with others. As an engineer at the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, my work helps shape the course of history and improves the lives and safety of so many people here in the U.S. and around the world.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Always live your purpose and let your Christian light shine even in your workplace. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:16, NIV).