Spotlight on Recent Graduate

Catching Up with Mark Perry (BSEE ’06)

Electrical engineering alumnus Mark Perry discusses his career path in a nuclear engineering operating company, advises students to participate in independent study (he completed four rotations!), and looks forward to his appointment in the Navy Civil Engineering Corps.

Swanson School: Where are you currently employed and what do you do there?

Mark Perry: FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, Beaver Valley Power Station. Up until just recently, I worked in the rapid response engineering group and have now joined the design engineering group.

My job up until now has been working on emerging issues in nuclear electrical generation. In order to maintain a consistent power supply, the rapid response group is responsible for conducting an engineering analysis when anything goes wrong with the power plant, whether it is the nuclear or generation systems. Because we are a nuclear power plant, some issues that arise are bound to a response clock. Depending on the issue, we could have a couple hours, or days, to correct the problem or shut down.

What do you do in your new role?

Now that I’m part of the design engineering group, I look at projects that will make our plant run more efficiently and safely. I am responsible for more of a bird’s-eye-view and have more oversight. Essentially my previous role was to respond to issues; now my role involves planning for the longer-term, and taking into account human resources and equipment needs. I also am required to answer to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about our plans and why we are making any changes.

How do you use your Pitt engineering education on the job?

So much of my education is integrated in to my job. It is actually quite difficult to give full credit where it is due. Just the sheer structure of how Pitt educates its engineers has taught me to deal with issues here that I think most non-engineers would find completely daunting. If I had to choose one skill set, the trouble-shooting/problem-solving end of my education comes to mind first. It helps me figure out what a problem is and what to do about it. Being an engineering major definitely taught me how to prioritize, focus, and maintain priorities.

Why did you choose engineering and your line of work?

I started off as a mathematics major because I thought I wanted to get into research and development but then when I learned more about the lack of career paths in R&D—they largely use contractors—I started reconsidering my options. One of my professors suggested I consider electrical engineering because of its involvement in mathematics theory.

I actually ended up in my line of work also on a recommendation from a professor. During my last semester of school, I worked with a professor who helped me secure a temporary position at the Beaver Valley Power Station. I was so impressed with how clean the facility operates. The nuclear industry has such a bad reputation. When the plant is given the careful management it deserves, it is safe and efficient. Everyone who works here realizes that the nuclear industry is special and respects it as such. This allows us to focus on the positive: the amazing amount of energy that nuclear power plants can produce with so very little waste.

What advice do you have for current students?

Get involved in undergraduate research. The application of engineering almost comes too late in the curriculum. There is so much foundation that engineering students have to learn before they can apply theory, and undergraduate research shifts you into that mode. After I did my first rotation, I realized how helpful it was. I did undergraduate research every year even though I didn’t need the credits because it helped round me out. I did better in my classes because of it. My four independent studies included research on user interfaces for automated speech recognition systems, coding to make cell phone calls more stable, and energy harvesting for wireless sensor networks. I also helped design an interactive educational radio station.

What’s next for you?

With FirstEnergy, I am moving up the engineering chain. I am currently an Advanced Nuclear Engineer and I plan on becoming a Senior Engineer in the near future.

Academically, in 2010 I plan on starting a Masters in Engineering, Systems Engineering at Penn State’s World Campus.

Also, in mid-August, I was chosen to be a reserve officer in the Navy Civil Engineering Corps, commonly known as the SeaBees. I will be assisting with infrastructure needs in Iraq. I spent fourteen years in the Navy, both in active duty and reserve. This will be my second time in Iraq—previously I was there maintaining bases, helping with heavy equipment operation, and assistance with the tactical movement of small ancillary combat teams.

Spotlight on Recent Graduate

Alumni Resources

Publications

Support the School

About the School

Benedum Hall