Eric Crapnell

Eric Crapnell completed his bachelor’s degree in engineering management online while working full-time as a molecular beam epitaxy technician at Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., in Houston, Texas.

He says he decided to pursue a degree in engineering management from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University due to the wide range of disciplines and topics covered during classes and the variety of industries to which the material applies.

“Engineering has changed my life by teaching me how to solve problems and think of new ways to approach challenges,” says Crapnell. “Engineering impacts the lives of others because engineers help change the world for the greater good.”          

Crapnell says that working on his capstone project, which was part of the Psyche mission at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was a great opportunity for him.

“My capstone experience taught me so many lessons about leadership, teamwork and overcoming challenges,” he says. “The chance to work on a NASA mission and contribute to something on that scale while still in school will be something I always remember.” 

One Fulton Schools faculty member stood out for Crapnell during his studies: Professor of Practice Dan McCarville.

“Dr. McCarville really influenced my learning,” says Crapnell. “His attitude and teaching style made me optimistic for the future.”

Now that he has a bachelor’s degree, Crapnell is looking to start a career outside of his native Texas.

“I am hoping to move to New York,” he says. “I want to contribute to the emerging field of data engineering and manage projects that will contribute to sustainability. I want to be a part of the climate change solution movement.”

Crapnell feels he is ready to take on those challenges in his future endeavors thanks to his time in the Fulton Schools.

“Engineering is fun because defeating a problem by finding a solution is so rewarding,” Crapnell says. “One thing I will take from my experience in the Fulton Schools is the confidence in myself to succeed in any situation.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ Spring 2021 class here.