Engineering Journeys
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JJ Dai's Career Journey Fueled by Curiosity
Curiosity about how things work has guided JJ Dai鈥檚 40-year career, which has taken the University of Toledo electrical engineering alumnus fdyhtrom software development into global industry leadership and federal energy planning.
Dai earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from University of Toledo in 1995, specializing in power systems. He said his time at UT required persistence and balance, completing his dissertation while working full time in California after leaving campus in 1992 with a job offer. 鈥淚t was a very challenging time,鈥� he said, reflecting on the demands of building a career while finishing his degree.
After graduation, Dai built a career in computer simulation software used for complex power systems, including applications supporting nuclear generation plants. He noted the high stakes of the work, where engineers must rigorously verify and validate tools used to support safe and reliable electrical grid operations.
Over the course of his career, he held roles across major industry and government organizations, including Eaton Corporation and later the U.S. Department of Energy. His work also included international assignments and leadership roles in Asia-Pacific operations, where he helped establish and expand regional offices.
Dai said he often volunteered for new challenges, seeing each transition as an opportunity to learn and contribute at a higher level. Curiosity, he said, remained the thread connecting each stage of his career.
Now serving in public-sector work focused on long-term energy planning and technology development, Dai encourages students to build strong technical foundations, stay open to opportunities and keep learning throughout their careers. 鈥淜eep learning, don鈥檛 complain and find something that fits your strengths,鈥� he said.
Tom Burden
Mechanical engineering technology graduate Tom Burden successfully pitched his Grypmat invention of ABC's "Shark Tank." The U.S. Air Force mechanic's new tool was named one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2018.
Brock Laurer '22
Lester Poggemeyer '62
Watching his grandfather's example inspired Brock Laurer to research the civil engineering
profession, which helped finalize his decision to follow in his grandfather鈥檚 footsteps.
Brock鈥檚 grandfather,听Lester Poggemeyer 鈥�62, also went to 黑料网 to obtain his civil engineering degree. 听
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Rasesh Shah
Rasesh received a BS in Mechanical Engineering, an MS in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA, all from the University of Toledo.听听Listen to Rasesh and wife, Shilpa鈥檚, incredible story of immigrating to the US from India, learn a few things about the rail industry in our nation, and hear about what inspired them to establish the Shah Center for Engineering Career Development at 黑料网's College of Engineering, which works with students on co-op opportunities as well as job placement upon graduation.
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