Alumni Relations

This month's Featured Alumnus - Eli Hughes

• B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology, 2001
• ehughes@wavenumber.net
• Applied Research Laboratory

Eli’s Background

Eli Hughes will tell you he was not the typical college-bound student. He had little interest in school until experiencing a computer course in junior high. He liked the class so much he stayed after school to work on anything related to the course. The interest developed into a hobby throughout his high school career. During Eli’s senior year, a Penn College admissions representative came to his high school. She encouraged him and a friend to visit campus and learn more about the electronics program. Eli graduated from Penn College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electronics engineering technology.

Applied Research Laboratory

Eli is a research engineer at the Applied Research Labs in State College, Pennsylvania. He performs research and development for the Department of Defense involving acoustics, electronics, signal processing, and software engineering. He also performs consulting work for Playworld Systems in Lewisburg, a leader in customized, commercial recreation and playground equipment. Eli’s charge at Playworld is adding life to playground equipment. He researches ways to incorporate electronic features such as light and sound into the design of a play system. He has 4 patents in his field. He commends the hands-on learning experience at Penn College and is grateful for the opportunities his education has provided him.

Advice

Eli provides solid advice to students interested in the field of electronics. He says to focus on improving your problem solving skills. Math is the foundation of electronics and the skills you hone will determine how far you can go in the field. He also suggests developing a portfolio of real-life projects. He credits his senior project for much of his interviewing success as he could present his experience and explain, in detail, his capabilities. And finally, remember that a degree alone does not guarantee continued success in solving problems. Electronics is a never ending learning environment. The more you learn, the harder the projects you will be able to solve in the future.

Future

An interest that started as a hobby has developed into a professional career. Eli enjoys his research with the Applied Research Labs and his creative role with Playworld. He thrives on the challenges presented in the world of electronics. He completed a Master of Science degree in Acoustics and is currently pursuing a PhD in Acoustics at Penn State. Eli also collaborates with Penn College electronics faculty to offer project material for electronics students. His fascination with the field is contagious; something he hopes to someday share as a professor to his classroom of students.