Toller Phipps

Toller Phipps chose to attend Arizona State University because he valued the opportunity to study in the Phoenix area, where semiconductor and technology industries are expanding rapidly.

“As an electrical engineering student, I saw ASU’s location in the “Silicon Desert” as a major advantage for gaining experience and building industry connections,” he says.

Phipps graduates this spring from the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU. 

He took advantage of opportunities that would shape him academically and professionally through his studies in Barrett, the Honors College, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program and gaining industry experience as a fabrication yield intern with Intel.

“My internship gave me the chance to work on real semiconductor manufacturing challenges, giving me direct exposure to the kind of problem solving and process improvement that drives the semiconductor industry,” he says.

During his time in the Fulton Schools, the Grand Challenges Scholar was also recognized through honors such as the dean’s list and a proud recipient of the Timothy P. O’Shaughnessy Lifelong Learning Scholarship, an award he highlights as extremely meaningful to his undergraduate experience.

One of the accomplishments he is most proud of was his participation in the DAAD RISE Program, which grants scholarships for students to conduct research in Germany.

“The experience had a major impact on me because it strengthened my technical abilities through hands-on research, challenged me to adapt in a new environment, and gave me a level of independence and confidence that will stay with me throughout my career,” he says.

Outside the classroom, he sought leadership opportunities serving as co-president of ASU’s Alexander Hamilton Society student chapter and as an officer for the 942 Crew, a student section club centered on student involvement in sporting events. 

“Both roles were meaningful to me because they allowed me to bring people together, strengthen campus community and help create experiences that made student life more engaging and memorable,” he says.

After graduating, Phipps plans to continue his studies at ASU in the electrical engineering Accelerated Master’s degree program with his sights set on entering the nuclear power industry.

“I would like to be part of the engineering efforts that make nuclear energy more efficient, reliable and widely adopted,” he says. “I believe it can play a major role in meeting future energy needs while supporting a more sustainable and secure energy system.”

Favorites

TV show: Psych
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Sports team: Chelsea F.C.
Geeky possession: An autographed Cameron Skattebo football
Last book read: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by AJ Montes