EECE graduating senior named Outstanding Student Leader

The College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management (ECC) named Jackson Ryan, a senior studying electrical engineering this year's Outstanding Student Leader. The recognition was highlighted at the 29th Annual University Awards Reception on Tuesday, April 10 in Chico State's Bell Memorial Union.

Jackson, who transferred from Shasta Community College in Redding, has been an active leader in the Chico State student chapters of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and Eta Kappa Nu (HKN). Since enrolling at Chico State in Fall 2015, he has been a key leader IEEE, most recently serving as the club’s president where he has doubled membership and significantly expanded workshop opportunities for student members.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to IEEE is the new program Ryan developed that hosts faculty research presentations during IEEE general meetings. As Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair Kathleen Meehan noted in her nomination, these research presentations have been critical in providing students opportunities to see various applications for curriculum.

“This is a chance for students to have a more informal conversation with each faculty member, which has stimulated a stronger relationship between the student body and department faculty,” said Meehan.

With new department leadership in place and hardworking student leaders like Ryan, this has been a time of transformation for electrical and computer engineering.

“The thing that I’m most proud of is the improvement in the quality and engagement of the IEEE student chapter—and the department as a whole really,” said Ryan.

A culture a collaboration and welcoming new ideas is something his leadership team has welcomed. All students, even those without IEEE memberships, can attend weekly general meetings. Ryan attributes that inclusion to the increase in engaged club members.

So what’s in store after commencement?

Ryan is not ruling out graduate school, but he’s eager to jump right into a career as a systems engineer or firmware engineer specializing in consumer electronics. With graduation around the corner, he’s excited to move to Florida, where his sister lives, and begin his professional career.