Electrical Engineering Student Takes Prize in Paper Competition

Photo Submitted

Desrochers

An electrical engineering student took second place for research writing in a regional competition hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. 

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 5 Conference was held in April. It was hosted virtually to keep participants safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. IEEE Region 5 supports more than 3,600 IEEE student members and covers universities in 13 states.  

Each year, students are encouraged to participate in four competitions related to circuit design, ethics, robotics and research paper writing. 

Electrical Engineering senior David Desrochers took second place in the paper competition for his research about the simulation and verification of coils for a pulse induction metal detector. The goal of the research was to improve the device's sensitivity, he said. 

Desrochers said he was glad his advisor, Robert Saunders, assistant department head of electrical engineering, encouraged him to participate in the competition. 

"This competition helped improve my communication skills, something that is beneficial to all aspects of my work and personal life," Desrochers said.  

As an advisor, Saunders, believes it's important to urge students to take advantage of competitions like the IEEE Region 5 paper competition.

"These types of competitions push our students to get out of their comfort level, which is good because we want them to be well-rounded engineers, who are ready to take on world-changing project," he said.

Desrochers graduated May 9 and plans to work for SEAKR Engineering in Centennial, Colorado.  

For more information on the IEEE Region 5 Conference, click here.