Can you start by telling us a little about yourself?
“I’m John Pezzolanti, a senior engineering management major and scholar of project management, community outreach and engineering. I joined the center my sophomore year to work as a liaison between the center and Dr. Sabouni’s Biomedical imaging research. From there, I began working for the center events committee and helped with the planning of the Kirby Lecture, Mentor Brunch, and Veterans’ Breakfast. I further went into project management at the center working with client outreach and scholar workloads. Outside of the center, I am the battalion operations sergeant major for ROTC. In this position, I am responsible for the execution of cadet training and standards. I am also the training and tactics advisor for the battalion staff. Additionally, I am a research assistant for the electrical engineering and physics department doing carbon crystal growth research, and I have worked on some biomedical engineering research projects. Outside of school and work, I am a snowboarder, downhill mountain biker and a rock climber.”
What are the tasks and projects you're currently working on at the APKC? Past projects?
“My current projects include Noble biomaterials, Regional Resource portal, client portfolio and scholar management and APKC events. A couple past projects I have worked on are Logical Energy, Biomedical imaging, Abide, Braggin Brites, RAIDS fire drones, Nano Oxygenic and CBD Test Lab.”
Do you have any hidden or special talents?
“One of my hobbies is that I can snowboard and have been snowboarding since I was 5 years old. While, at the center, one of my best skills is project management, and I am known as the ‘Gantt chart master.’”
What is your favorite quote or life saying?
“The people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do” - Steve Jobs
What is your dream job or career?
“Being in Army ROTC, I will graduate college and commission as a second lieutenant. I plan on serving 20 years active duty engineering corp with the first half of my career in combat engineering and the second half in research and development. I plan on going to Army Ranger and Sapper school and hope to be part of the special forces community. Additionally, I would like to go back to school to earn my master’s degree in biomedical and material engineering as well as a master’s in strategic operations from the Army War College. When I retire from the military, I would like to merge both my military expertise and project management skills to work for a private sector engineering company that does military contracts.”
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“My favorite spot on campus is the engineering lounge or in one of the research labs.”
What is your favorite thing about your major?
“The reason I like engineering management is because you gain education in mechanical, electrical and material engineering, as well as project management and business. Having an in-depth understanding of both engineering and business allows you to be a huge asset for companies looking to hire high level engineers and department heads.”
Do you have a role model that you look up to?
“A role model of mine is Elon Musk. He is always doing what people call crazy or impossible and proves them wrong. Going along with my favorite quote, Musk is the crazy one who is innovating to change the world.”
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