Erik Fox is an FPGA IP Software Development Engineer with Intel in Hillsboro Oregon
1. In layman’s terms, what do software engineers do?
We design and verify digital systems at the register and gate level as opposed to transistor level.
2. What is your background?
I grew up in Longview Washington. Spent some time in NYC for college and work, then moved back to this region to be closer to family and pursue engineering.
3. What was your educational path?
I graduated with a degree in marketing 2011. After working in that field for a couple years, I attended Maseeh College first as a post baccalaureate and then as a graduate student.
4. Why did you choose Maseeh College at PSU?
I was drawn to its affordability, urban setting, and the prevalence of non traditional students.
5. What was your favorite aspect/experience/moment/class/professor at Maseeh College?
In contrast to my experience elsewhere it felt like everyone working at PSU was invested in my success. From administration, advising, professors, and others, I received exceptional support for which I am very grateful.
6. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for current Maseeh College students?
Believe in yourself. As long as you work hard, stay focused, and remain curious you will find a place within the world of professional engineering.
7. Do you have any advice for high students/young people/aspiring engineers?
Don’t be afraid to take wrong turns. As opposed to k-12 education, life rarely takes a linear path.
8. How did Maseeh College help you prepare for your career?
The coursework in computer engineering is a combination of the theoretical and the practical. The practical has prepared me for the day to day aspects of my job, while the theoretical helped me get better solving complex problems in a systematic way.
9. Please share any career highlights, awards/recognition you've received, and/or accomplishments you're most proud of.
With the validation of my first completed project, I realized that something I built will interact with future processors manufactured by Intel.
10. What are you most hopeful about in terms of engineering and/or engineering projects in the future?
I’m hopeful that humans will always find a way to solve complex problems. Hopefully, this will include the rise in greenhouse gases and its affect on the climate.
Bonus question: What would you title your autobiography?
One Bite At a Time