Alanzo Chambers, '17P & E Alumni Spotlight: Alanzo Chambers
May 2, 2022 9:00 AM
The Department of Physics and Engineering Alumni Spotlight highlights Bobcats in the field.
Name: Alanzo Chambers '17
Program: Materials Engineering
Current City: Laurel, Maryland
Profession: General Engineer/Test Officer
Where are you currently working?
U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center
What do you find most rewarding?
I find it very rewarding that the work and testing I do at the Aberdeen Test Center directly affects and helps our soldiers who fight for our freedom daily.
What has your career path been like?
My career path has been primarily working for the U.S government and for U.S military contractors as a civilian engineer.
Why did you choose the Materials Engineering program at Frostburg State University?
I chose the Materials Engineering programs at Frostburg for the possible career outlook and career satisfaction. I knew graduating with a degree in Materials Engineering from Frostburg State University would give me the chance to be involved in challenging work, which would allow me to use my creative thinking daily.
How did the Materials Engineering program at FSU help you achieve your career goals?
I believe my capstone project helped prepare me for my future career as a engineer because it challenged me on so many levels. Additionally, working in a group for the capstone helped prepare me because, after starting my first job at Newport News Shipbuilding, I came to realize that a lot of the work was essentially done in what we called engineering teams. Professor Zhen Liu appointed me as group lead for my final capstone project, and I often have to rely on the work habits I gained in that position.
I also believe the professors at Frostburg State University pushed me to achieve my learning potential. Small class sizes and readily available office hours when I needed help or motivation were also a important.
What is your favorite experience in the Materials Engineering program?
My favorite experience was my capstone class. Professor Zhen Liu gave us the opportunity to showcase our creative and intellectual thinking skills. We were able to develop our projects from the ground up, and during that process, I really got the feeling of what it was like to be a engineer beyond just the book work.
Have you been working on any projects that you would like to share?
I’ve worked on many projects while working at Newport News Shipbuilding where I was the lead engineer on projects such as:
- Primary Shield Water Expansion Tank System
- Reactor Plant Temporary Evacuation System
- Temporary Reactor Level Indicator System
At the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, I’ve worked on projects such as Collateral Damage Estimation and Aircraft Vulnerability.
What advice do you have for students who are interested in or considering a career in Materials Engineering?
My advice to any current students interested in or considering a career in engineering is to be confident in the background and knowledge that you gained while being a student at Frostburg State University. It's normal to feel intimidated upon joining the workforce, but you will quickly notice that the educations and experiences gained while attending Frostburg State University has put you in a good place to be a productive worker in any engineering firm or workplace.