Deidre Crowell

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Klamath Falls, OR

Why did you choose Oregon Tech?

Oregon Tech has a great mix of academic rigor and hands on learning. Class sizes are just right, so I never have felt lost in a crowd of students.

What do you like best about your major?

The faculty are top notch and very approachable. Mechanical engineering gives me a broad foundation, allowing me opportunities to explore my interests.

What clubs or activities are you involved with?

As a non-traditional student with a spouse and kids, I find that school, work and family keep me extremely busy. When I have extra time, I enjoy hiking with my family, playing violin with the Klamath Symphony and working in my church’s community garden.

What career do you hope to have after you graduate from Oregon Tech?

I want to contribute my talents, solving problems to make life better for real people. Two fields which capture my imagination are renewable energy and material science. I would also like to teach college.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Know and understand your personal learning styles. For me, it’s very important to attend every lecture and lab if possible, because I learn from those settings much more than reading textbooks.