Alumni Highlights

At K-State Salina, Luke's strong sense of community from being on campus prepared him for teamwork in his current role as an Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering Technician at Garmin. While the curriculum provided a broad foundation, Luke emphasizes the importance of seeking additional learning opportunities specific to his chosen field to keep up with industry changes and updates. His experience managing the residence hall staff also boosted his confidence as a leader.

Tell us more about yourself.

• I grew up in Topeka, KS, and originally started college at the University of Kansas, majoring in Computer Engineering. I transferred to K-State Salina because of the smaller class sizes and more hands-on approach to learning. While at K-State Salina, I was involved with the SAE Baja club, the Baseball club as the Treasurer, and the Christian Challenge chapter on campus. In my first year in Salina, I was appointed by another student/member to be on the Parking Committee, which I was a part of during the three years I was at K-State. I also worked on the residence hall front desk staff for my first two years before being promoted to supervisor in my last year. I am a 2018 Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology program graduate with a Minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. I currently work as an EMC Engineering Technician in the Aviation department at Garmin. I enjoy working for a large company with the feel of a smaller company because of the sense of community and involvement.

What is your current position and responsibilities?

• I work at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, KS, and am on the Aviation department's EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) team. As an Engineering Technician, I am responsible for helping with system test bench design and setup, HIRF (high-intensify radiated field), and Lightning testing. I also help with individual unit testing for part changes, ECOs (engineering change orders), and new product development.

How did K-State Salina prepare you for the job market or further education after graduation?

• I appreciated getting a broad overview of a lot of different topics. My first job was in the automation programming field. Having a few classes covering PLC programming helped me get a good start, but it wasn’t enough for me personally to feel comfortable with the work I was doing. Within my current job, I don’t know how much was covered in my classes, so I am just learning on the job. I think not being as prepared could be because many topics aren’t covered in great detail, but with so many paths to go in the workforce, it is hard to try and cover absolutely every scenario. I appreciate what I learned from my professors at K-State Salina.

What aspects of your college experience had the most significant impact on your career or personal development?

• I would have to say that the sense of community and helpfulness of my professors and classmates helped me see what it would be like working on a team at my job. It taught me that if I need help or have a question, I can easily find someone willing to go the extra mile to help me succeed. I also gained more confidence about being a leader when I helped manage the residence hall mail system and front desk staff.

Reflecting on your time as a student, are there any resources, clubs, or extracurricular activities you wish you had taken advantage of more?

• I wish I had gotten more involved with the SAE Baja Club, considering the amount I could have learned from working on more parts of the buggy. I was also approached about being a part of student government, but I was not interested in it at that time. Looking back at it, I think being a part of SGA would have been a great next step in helping me become more of a leader.

What would you tell a student interested in a career like yours?

• I would say that if someone is interested in working in an EMC role, they should take classes covering some of those topics or reach out to their professors to see if topics or courses could be added to the curriculum. Maybe if there is enough interest from enough people, there could even be a degree or minor option for EMC.

Lauri’s journey reflects the transformative power of love, dedication, and resilience. As a devoted wife, mother of three children, and grandmother, family forms the bedrock of her story. Over the past two decades, Lauri has embarked on a profound journey fueled by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her passion for social work was ignited during her junior high years when she read Are You Out There, God? by Sister Mary Rose McGeady, highlighting the compelling struggles of America’s street children. Despite her desire to pursue a social work degree, Lauri temporarily set aside her dream in 2001 to focus on motherhood and providing for her family. Drawing from a rich tapestry of life experiences, Lauri has embraced various roles, including personal assistant, paraprofessional, and student practicums, gaining invaluable experience and nurturing her empathy for others. Throughout her journey, Lauri has been inspired by dedicated instructors, supportive peers, and engaging training, each contributing to her growth and development as a social work professional. After graduating from Kansas State University with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2023, Lauri’s educational journey continued as she pursued her Master of Social Work degree at The University of Kansas, where she will walk for graduation in May 2024. Lauri’s dedication to her education, commitment to the Code of Ethics of social work, and serving others have laid a solid foundation for her future as a social work professional. Armed with a profound understanding of the values inherent in social work, Lauri has found employment opportunities as a mental health therapist at Pawnee Mental Health. Lauri stands ready to make a profound difference in her community and beyond, advocating tirelessly for a brighter, more equitable future for all.

What is your current position and responsibilities?

• I serve as a Mental Health Therapist, which requires me to travel to various office assignments and provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions. I actively collaborate with all other health team members on behalf of clients and their families I serve and provide expert clinical opinions to other program staff and community services departments.

How did K-State Salina prepare you for the job market or further education after graduation?

• K-State Salina prepared me for the job market by imparting invaluable knowledge, challenging conventional boundaries, and providing diverse hands-on experiences. The unwavering support of instructors and peers fostered my confidence and readiness for my next chapter. Furthermore, K-State Salina extended my education post-BSW through collaboration with KU for the MSW program in Salina.

What aspects of your college experience had the most significant impact on your career or personal development?

• Several aspects had a significant impact on my career and personal development. The invaluable knowledge gained through coursework laid the foundation for my professional endeavors, while my supportive instructors and peers nurtured my confidence and readiness for the next chapter. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities such as Laundry Love and being part of the Social Work Wildcats club provided opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios, fostering practical skills and networking opportunities.

What would you tell a student interested in a career like yours?

• For a student interested in a career in social work, I offer the following advice:

1. 1. Seek out diverse experiences inside and outside the classroom to gain a well-rounded skill set and perspective that encourages you to embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth.
   2. Take advantage of internships, mentorship opportunities, and networking events to build connections and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
   3. Remain open to continuous learning and growth, as the field of social work is dynamic and ever-evolving.
   4. Cultivate resilience, perseverance, and self-love, as navigating the path to a rewarding career in social work may present many challenges.
   5. You can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals with unwavering dedication, relentless passion, and a steadfast commitment to your vision.

John O’Brien grew up in Topeka, Kansas, with pride in his family’s military heritage and a love for aviation. In high school, he was a Scout with Aviation Explorers Post 8, attending weekly meetings at the airport and volunteering at the annual Oshkosh AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Member based in Guam, Arizona, and Iraq. He then used his GI Bill benefit to earn his degree and obtain his FAA A&P Certification at K-State Salina. After college graduation, he was hired by Great Plains Mfg. in Salina, Kansas. Within Great Plains Mfg., he was promoted from Inside Sales Coordinator to Purchasing Planner and then to Sourcing Agent. He is now employed at Geoprobe Systems as a Buyer/Planner and is ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management. John found his home in Salina and stayed involved in the Salina Community. He is appointed to the Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors and is the board’s liaison for the AIM Center Steering Committee.

What is your current position and responsibilities?

• I work in Geoprobe’s Supply Chain department as a Buyer/Planner. Our department’s primary objective is to provide the right material in the right place, time, and price to manufacture the best possible soil probing and drilling equipment. My responsibilities are maintaining the Master Production Schedule, option demand planning, releasing work orders, creating purchase orders, implementing engineering changes, and resolving production constraints.
  

How did K-State Salina prepare you for the job market or further education after graduation?

• K-State Salina helped me find my passion: to work with a large team of people and help manage those projects. My FAA certification and STEM education won over employers with proven mechanical aptitude and potential for growth. My first job in college was in manufacturing, where I had an inside sales position. I later moved into the Purchasing department and had the advantage of understanding materials, electronics, hydraulics, paint, and schematics/drawings. I furthered my education by earning the Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation through the Association for Supply Chain Management.

What aspects of your college experience had the most significant impact on your career or personal development?

• K-State Salina was most impactful to my personal development as I was involved in student organizations and student life. Christian Challenge helped me focus on what is essential in life through my faith, and I made priceless lifelong friendships. SGA and Residence Life helped me learn how to motivate and work with others to accomplish mutually beneficial tasks and better handle conflict.

Reflecting on your time as a student, are there any resources, clubs, or extracurricular activities you wish you had taken advantage of more?

• I wish I had more confidence in my freshman and sophomore years to take the lead on projects like engine repair and avionics. I also wish I had been more involved in the Christian Challenge by serving more rather than just participating.

What would you tell a student interested in a career like yours?

• Use college as a time to learn how to work well with others and find solutions to problems through mutually beneficial negotiating. Do not shy away from challenging classes like calculus, chemistry, physics, geology, etc., as you will be surprised by how helpful that knowledge will be. Work part-time with a local manufacturer in material handling, purchasing, or scheduling.

During his time on campus, Brian honed his leadership skills as a Student Governing Association (SGA) member and a founding member of the Entrepreneurial Club. Brian gained valuable work experience as a Resident Assistant and a student staff member in the IT department. As an emerging student leader, he played a crucial role in hosting the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's national flight competition on campus in 2005. He later assisted in the first Global Flyer program. Brian mentions that these diverse experiences were highly impactful in preparing him for his current leadership and operations role in the aviation industry.

Tell us about your current position and what your responsibilities are.

• As Chief Operating Officer at Lone Mountain, I oversee all of the company's operations and their respective teams. I manage our accounting team, sales operations team, flight operations team, Chief Pilot, VP of Sales, HR team, Marketing Director, and IT Director. In addition to the company's day-to-day management, I am also responsible for the long-term planning and projections for our CEO and Advisory Board.

How did K-State Salina prepare you for the job market or further education after graduation?

• The job market was still a little rough when I graduated in 2005. After graduation, I took a full-time non-flying job at the Cosmosphere and worked part-time at the airport in Hutchinson as a flight instructor to keep building flight time. The variety of experiences that I obtained, as a result, helped me as my career progressed.

What aspects of your college experience had the most significant impact on your career or personal development?

• As a pilot, I understand our business and customers, which immensely helps. But, all of the other things I did at KSU helped prepare me for my leadership and operations roles. My involvement in SGA and the Entrepreneurial Club in particular were very instrumental.

Reflecting on your time as a student, are there any resources, clubs, or extracurricular activities you wish you had taken advantage of more?

• I was pretty involved, and I am not sure how I could have fit much more in, but if I were to do it again, I would have found a way to flight instruct a little bit at KSU before I graduated. I did not start instructing until after KSU.

What would you tell a student interested in a career like yours?

• Get involved! The more different things you can experience, the more doors open, and who knows where they will lead you.

Linfeng Jin is an assistant professor at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Aviation Maintenance Science Department in Daytona Beach, Florida. Prof. Jin earned his Ph.D. and MS degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Kansas State University summa cum laude in Salina, Kansas. He holds FAA mechanic certificate, FCC MROL, GROL and ASQ CQPA License. His past research includes, but not limited to, airline maintenance outsourcing issues, aviation accident analysis, airport sustainability development, and aviation professional education using AR/VR. His industrial experience includes data management specialist for China Aircraft Leasing Company Limited in Shanghai, China, and line maintenance of Embraer 175 for Republic Airline Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. Linfeng Jin currently lives in Port Orange, Florida. He is originally from Shanghai, China. He is proficient with English and Chinese, and he can speak basic German.

Tell us about your current position and what your responsibilities are.

• I work as an assistant professor at ERAU. I teach undergraduate students at the aviation maintenance science department, do applied aviation research, and serve on several internal and external committees on aviation sustainability, curriculum improvement, FAA workforce development grant review, and hiring.

How did K-State Salina prepare you for the job market or further education after graduation?

• In terms of coursework, Professor Andrew Smith's classes were very engaging and meaningful, especially his naval aviation stories, which were relevant to the course content. Drew was also my DME and advisor who wrote me several recommendation letters. George Hiechiel taught us a lot, from hydraulics to welding in his idiosyncratically humorous way. I met Professor Steve Ley in my gas turbine engine class; I did really well in his class. He is a Purdue University alum, and he introduced me to Purdue and wrote a strong recommendation letter for the graduate program I attended after K-State.

What aspects of your college experience had the most significant impact on your career or personal development?

• Every FAA Part 147 class and lab is important. Otherwise, I would not have passed my FAA written, oral, and practical exams. Pay attention in class, and don’t miss any educational opportunities.

Reflecting on your time as a student, are there any resources, clubs, or extracurricular activities you wish you had taken advantage of more?

• Joining a computer science club to pick up coding skills.

What would you tell a student who is interested in a career like yours?

• Get your FAA credentials as soon as possible, choose good employers, find mentors, and connect with the right people. If you want to be a college professor, it is mandatory to get a PhD.