The world of mechanical engineering is an ever-expanding frontier, brimming with potential pioneers like Maseeh College student Brett Stinson, whose determination has led from Accokeek, Maryland to the Mechanical Engineering Department at Portland State University. Stinson's journey began as a first-generation college student with humble origins. After a brief and unsatisfying stint at a community college in Maryland, Stinson embarked on a transformative adventure in 2013, relocating to Portland to give higher education another shot. Years later, fueled by an unyielding passion for engineering, he found his way to PSU's Maseeh College, drawn by the Portland's appeal and the recommendation of influential professors.
At Maseeh College, Stinson found himself immersed in the domain of the Healthy Buildings Research Laboratory under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. Elliott Gall. "I feel insanely lucky to be conducting research in the Healthy Buildings Research Laboratory with Dr. Elliott Gall, who is not only an excellent advisor, but also an excellent professor—I highly recommend his indoor air quality class," Stinson enthused. His involvement in Maseeh’s ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) chapter further enriched his experience, opening up opportunities through engaging networking events and fostering invaluable professional connections.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Stinson generously shares advice with current Maseeh College students, urging them to persevere through the challenges of their sophomore and junior years. He enthuses about the rewarding and enjoyable capstone sequence and recommends exploring elective courses tailored to one's interests to make the learning journey more fulfilling. "I'd recommend getting involved in some sort of PSU club early on. My first term here, I had no clue where I was headed; I attended an ASHRAE general interest meeting, and it shaped my path forward in a big way," he shared, encouraging students to seize every opportunity and apply for grants, scholarships, and competitions with the assurance of ample support. Stinson's journey has been punctuated by remarkable highlights and accomplishments. His relentless pursuit of academic conferences has taken him to Finland, the Netherlands, Las Vegas, and most recently, Germany. Being awarded the Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) stands as a personal highlight, marking the significance of his academic journey.
For aspiring engineers and computer scientists, Stinson dispels the myth that innate problem-solving skills are a prerequisite for success. "As long as you're curious, motivated, and somewhat good at managing your time, you'll be just fine," he emphasizes, sharing his own journey of starting from scratch with basic algebra in his first engineering and mathematics classes. Today, on the verge of earning his master's degree, Stinson stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination.
After he completes his PhD at Maseeh College, he contemplates a future in specialized industry employment or post-doctoral positions. These options have become tangible realities thanks to the support and encouragement he received from Maseeh College. As the realm of indoor environmental quality holds the promise of growth and innovation, Stinson remains optimistic about the future of engineering and computer science. He eagerly anticipates pushing the boundaries of his field, working on practical solutions that enrich lives and nurture sustainable environments.