NASA Research, Engineering Courses Prepare Grad for Role at Raytheon

Santiago Armas ’23, an Engineering major with an Electrical Specialization and first-generation student, will work as a seapower and electronic systems electrical engineer for Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Portsmouth, R.I.  

Prestigious Research Opportunities: “Last summer I conducted fiber optics research with Professor Ahmet Akosman through a summer research scholarship from the NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium, and I had the chance to present my research at the IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference last fall. One of the biggest things I learned was creative problem-solving. This project also piqued my interest in research. I might consider attending graduate school and continuing my career as a researcher in the future.”  

Courses Prep Students for Industry Jobs: “When I interviewed for my job, the interviewer talked a lot about what they do at Raytheon, and I understood a lot of it. He was impressed that I knew about K-maps, which I learned how to implement as a junior. That experience made me appreciate the things that I studied at RWU.”  

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Program: “No matter what your concentration is, you still become a well-rounded individual, which gives you more wiggle room (in your career). Instead of being a one-trick-pony, you’re a jack-of-all-trades. At RWU, I gravitated toward Electrical, but by taking courses I realized that I was also interested in and really enjoy Mechanical Engineering.”  

Armas, who served as a tour guide and Admissions Ambassador and was secretary for both RWU’s Engineering Without Borders and IEEE clubs, is from West Warwick, R.I.  

Every spring, as Commencement nears, RWU spotlights members of the graduating class. Suggestions are welcome. Email: stories@rwu.edu