Teaching & Learning

College of Engineering Student Spotlight: Sam Christensen

By Anessa Pennington |

Sam Christensen is a senior in electrical engineering from San Diego. He enjoys tinkering with circuits and drones, but his next chapter is law school, and his big dream is to become a Supreme Court justice.

Meet Sam Christensen, a senior in electrical engineering from San Diego. Christensen enjoys tinkering with circuits and drones, but his next chapter is law school, and his big dream is to become a Supreme Court justice. Professional and academic endeavors aside, he enjoys the outdoors, English lit, and the cinematic stylings of Will Smith.

Q: Why did you decide to study engineering?

A: I decided to study electrical engineering after a college outreach program I attended at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). I was in seventh grade, but it stuck!

Q: What has been the best part of your engineering education so far?

A: I have enjoyed so many things! At the top of the list, club involvement, research opportunities, and the fascinating coursework!

Q: Are you involved in research?

A: Yes, I do research with Dr. Christensen in the Autonomy Lab. We study navigation and controls for autonomous vehicles. I’ve worked on a number of projects, including building drones, configuring a motion-tracking camera system, and localization with RFID tags.

Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations?

A: I joined IEEE as a freshman and have served as a secretary and president. I enjoy the opportunities to serve other students and network with students, faculty and industry members.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Jiu-jitsu, canoeing and backpacking

Q: What is the best thing you’ve read in the last month?

A: I’m reading ‘The Brothers Karamazov’; it’s really good!

Q: What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

A: Mt. Tallac in Lake Tahoe

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “The Pursuit of Happiness”

Q: What is your favorite class?

A: Circuits 1!

Q: What’s an idea or quote you live by?

A: “Do a good turn daily.”

Q: Who is your hero?

A: Clarence Thomas

Q: What topic do you wish more people would learn about?

A: English literature

Q: What is your advice to younger students or incoming first-year students?

A: Get involved! You’ll never regret making friends at USU, and having their support, and advice will transform your time here!

WRITER

Anessa Pennington
Public Relations Specialist
College of Engineering
435-797-7512
anessa.pennington@usu.edu

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Engineering 340stories Student Life 245stories Undergraduate Research 157stories

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