2024-ENG-I3-Magazine_ISSUU

Passions and Professions By Michelle Sztupkay While analytical prowess is a hallmark of the engineering profession, the stereotype of the single-minded, reclusive engineer is an outdated cliché. Among the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Alumni Council members at the University of San Diego, you’ll find a rich tapestry of multifaceted individuals whose passions extend beyond — and often intersect — the boundaries of their vocations.

More Than Meets the Eye

Maaron (Tesfaye) Bea ’19 (ME) “I’ve been to more than 20 countries and counting. I’m incredibly grateful that my job allows me to travel to many of our offices globally, but I also do my best to travel regularly with family and friends for fun as much as possible.”

Rachel Valdez ’21 (CS) “I am passionate about equal access to education, particularly in STEM fields. I believe education is a very important right that can take one very far in life, and it should be accessible for women and other minorities in order to have more diversity in STEM industries.”

Michael Sween ’19 (ME) “In my free time, I enjoy cooking and learning new cooking techniques. Every meal is like a lesson in heat transfer, trying to cook each item to perfection.”

Zachary Kinzler ’23 (ISyE) “The thing I am very passionate about is fly fishing. Being from Montana, I have done it my whole life and it’s really just my favorite thing in the world. I would say I use industrial engineering in fishing by optimizing when and where I am fishing with the time of the year.”

Chase Tushaus ’11 (ISyE) “I’m passionate about community engagement. USD is a hub for that for me, connecting with USD’s Alumni Board, the Engineering Alumni Council, University Ministry and the Mulvaney Center. I’ve been blessed with a lot in my life and I feel compelled to do whatever I can for others.”

For details on getting involved with the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Alumni Council, contact Elisa Lurkis at elurkis@sandiego.edu.