Christopher Ross

Christopher Ross’ fascination with engineering began at age 6 when he tore apart his brand-new remote-controlled car just to see how it worked. 

With a knack for engineering and some college-level classes, Ross decided to explore what the industry had to offer before heading back to school.

“I always wanted to return to college and finish my degree,” says Ross. “I came to ASU to finish what I started 20 years ago, to make my parents proud as the first grad in our family, and to set an example for my kids.”

While in the 4+1 technological entrepreneurship and management online program at The Polytechnic School, Ross excelled as an honors student and found his calling in leadership.

Ross’ leadership presence put him on the path to several exciting opportunities. He became an undergraduate teaching assistant where he was able to share his industry experience with other students. He also launched the Social Innovation Startup Lab with the support of technological entrepreneurship and management lecturer Andrea Cherman. Participants worked in teams to deliver real-world solutions to nonprofit partners.

“This was more than just an academic exercise,” says Ross. “It was a process of building a relationship, understanding a problem and providing the right solution.”

After graduation, Ross will continue his career at Intel in Phoenix while pursuing his master’s degree in ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society.

“The opportunity to immediately and directly apply my studies in the real world is exhilarating and reinforced my academic and professional development,” says Ross.

Long-term, Ross wants to apply his experience and education to help reverse global climate change. He also wants to give back through teaching and help others achieve a college education. As an engineer, his future is bright.

“Engineering is about trying things that haven’t been tried before,” says Ross. “What can be more fun than trying something that no one in the history of humankind has tried before?”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2020 class here.