"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.”
2012 B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate contemplates his global impact as a digital design and radiation effects engineer for The Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, California.
Innovation makes up just part of the mission of California Baptist University’s Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering. Students are additionally encouraged to think about their craft and skill through Christ’s teachings — specifically, supporting, caring for and uplifting others through new concepts and developments.
This objective has shaped the career of Patrick Nsengiyumva, a 2012 graduate of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Employed as a digital design and radiation effects engineer for The Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, California, Nsengiyumva strives to improve others’ lives through safety.
Nsengiyumva found himself drawn to electronics as a child growing up in Rwanda, both through their functions and how related technologies could advance our complex world and improve survival and quality of life for humans. CBU’s program fostered his curiosity through small classes, mentorship from professors and emphasis on real-world learning, spirituality and connection. Following the completion of his bachelor’s, Nsengiyumva earned master’s and doctoral credentials in electrical engineering and has authored or co-authored eight papers appearing in peer-reviewed publications.
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Graduation Year: 2012
Current Job Title: Digital Design and Radiation Effects Engineer at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach,
CA
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda and Nashville, TN
Current City: Irvine, CA
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 eight 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 the 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 and IEEE International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems.
I was also an engineering intern at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, California, from August 2017 until November 2017.
I am currently a full-time digital design and radiation effects engineer at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, California.
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).