Alum Guides Future Engineers at Solar Oven Throw Down

Every school year, the college's first-year students converge on the University of Arizona mall to practice engineering design while learning a thing or two about baking. The Solar Oven Throw Down sees undergrad students craft ovens that cook with the power of the sun. But this year, an alum returned to help guide future engineers. Valerie Shulby, a 2019 SIE graduate, now works as an IT technical analyst at event sponsor W.L. Gore and Associates.

The company supports several college initiatives, as the partnership gives Gore associates the opportunity to recruit new hires, Shulby said.

“Every single person we’ve recruited from the College of Engineering has been very successful at Gore. They prove to be self-motivated and hold up to the culture and the standards that Gore promises. I commend the college for helping prepare students well for industry,” she said.

While heavy recruitment is more typical at events such as career fairs, attending the Solar Oven Throw Down gave Shulby and her Gore colleagues, also alums, a chance to start talking casually with students. Being on the University of Arizona Mall also caused Shulby to reflect on the high quality of her own education while also appreciating continual improvement initiatives.

“Coming back, it’s great seeing the college trying to advance to be one of these top schools,” she said.