The College of Engineering Student Stories

Meet Tyler

I gravitated toward engineering because I wanted a field where I could make tangible improvements in people’s lives. I have always appreciated how engineers are driven by results and how they use math and science to solve problems and see the impact of their work almost immediately.

I first learned about Industrial Engineering at the DFW Junior World Affairs Council International Career Day at UTA, where a speaker described her role as an airline route planning analyst. Her work blended mathematics, data, and science, but also required her to communicate her ideas to executives and airlines to bring new routes to life. The combination of analytical thinking and real-world decision making resonated with me, and when I learned that she had a degree in industrial engineering, I knew I wanted to explore the same path.

Industrial engineering felt like the right fit from the start. Our work shows up everywhere, even if people do not always notice it. What drew me in most was the need to understand the entire system, connect all the moving parts and help guide decisions that shape how things function. It is a major that lets me think broadly, work collaboratively, and create meaningful improvements in the world around me.

I’ve been able to explore a wide range of professional experiences, build life long friendships, and take on leadership roles in student organizations. I’ve grown as an engineer through analytical thinking and hands on skills, but just as importantly, I’ve grown personally and socially.

Joining student organizations gave me a sense of belonging and pushed me to create, try new things, and see a bigger picture beyond academics. Serving as vice president of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) has been especially meaningful. It allowed me to reconnect with my cultural heritage, collaborate with the regional VSA network and welcome new students into the same community that helped me find my footing as a freshman.

Climbing Mavericks introduced me to a new, physically challenging hobby and tight knit community. The Climbing Mavs are always eager to cheer on beginners, share techniques, and celebrate small wins, whether that’s sending a new route or just laughing together after a long day, it became a sense of comfort to see familiar faces in the climbing gym. The climbing gym became my second home at UTA, and the boost to my physical health was just a bonus.

I’ve also been able to continue my creative interests through the UTA Symphony Orchestra. Playing double bass in works like Orff’s Carmina Burana and Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 has been exhilarating. Those rehearsals and performances are some of my favorite memories here, and having a creative outlet has helped me stay balanced. Professionally, I’ve gained valuable engineering experience through internships. With the USDA NRCS, I worked alongside civil engineers in Kentucky on conservation planning, restoration projects and flood control structures. I also interned at a nearby luxury goods holding company, where I conducted time studies and applied Lean methodologies in a real warehouse environment.

Overall, UTA has given me the chance to reconnect with my culture, discover a new sport, pursue music and gain meaningful professional experience. Together, they’ve shaped my growth not only as an engineer, but as someone who understands the importance of connection and community.