P & E Alumni Spotlight: Brendan Latimer

Feb 9, 2022 9:00 AM

The Department of Physics and Engineering Alumni Spotlight highlights Bobcats in the field.

Name: Brendan Latimer '18
Program: Materials Engineering
Current City: White Plains, Maryland
Profession: NPWS Systems Engineer

Where are you currently working?

I am providing government contract support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Public Warning System (NPWS) out of Indian Head, Maryland. Because of my diverse engineering background, I have worked at several radio stations alongside seasoned radio frequency and electrical engineers across the country, with the primary goal to design and build deployable HEMP protected broadcasting shelters.

What do you find most rewarding?

Providing support on a national level.

When did you know you wanted to be an engineer?

During my year at community college, I met a professor who initially inspired me to mechanical engineering. At Frostburg, Dr. Yi-Zun Wang and (former FSU professor) Dr. Mahdi Norouzi introduced me to the many applications of engineering. Dr. Zhen Liu’s passion for materials engineering and explanation of the field's versatility prompted within me a desire to pursue this career path.

What has your career path been like?

My passion is to use my engineering background to support national security. After diligently researching and selectively applying to defense contract positions, I was recruited as an entry-level systems engineer supporting executive order 13407 under FEMA. Within 6 months of being hired, I was promoted and given the opportunity to apply for a security clearance through my employer. This was due to my practical application of engineering on the job site and demonstration of technical work ethic.

Why did you choose the Materials Engineering program at Frostburg State University?

I find motivation in helping others by fabricating efficient and sustainable products.

How did the Materials Engineering program at FSU help you achieve your career goals?

Working under Dr. Liu was a major catalyst in my career growth. Especially during (but not limited to) our capstone. Dr. Liu set me on a path to success by providing key resources and was always ready to provide critical feedback on our experiments.

Our capstone goal was to enhance shielding/reflective properties of foam absorbers while simultaneously increasing electrical and thermal conductivity. Our capstone project team created three generations of foam absorbers coated with variations of polypyrrole (PPy). These variations were tested under extreme heat with the help of the Frostburg Fire Department vehicle detection test with FSU Police department. Conductivity was proven using an ohmmeter. We utilized Frostburg’s engineering lab for other pertinent testing equipment, such as the thermogravimetric machine and the tensile strength analysis machine.

What is your favorite experience in the Materials Engineering program?

Collaborating with Frostburg and Univeristy of Maryland engineering students, while also assisting in research at the University of Santiago de Compostela.

Have you been working on any projects that you would like to share?

As of recent, we’ve supported FEMA by integrating HEMP-protected shelters at new and existing transmitter sites. These shelters provide backup equipment in case of a critical systems failure.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in or considering a career in Materials Engineering?

Reach out to a mentor or role model.
Collaborate with your peers – networking is a key to success.
Find a particular focus of materials engineering you’re passionate about. My focus was on the application to national defense