Growing up on a farm in southwest Missouri, Tyler’s unique childhood laid the foundation for his passion for mechanics and alternative energy.
“I started working on the farm when I was 8 years old,” said Tyler, whose family grew lawn seed and had cattle. An inquisitive and handy kid, he was also interested in learning how things worked.
“I have an early memory from my childhood of when my dad and I pulled an engine out of a truck, and I was pushing a truck motor across the shop floor,” said Tyler.
Tyler’s curiosity led him to explore rock climbing, which eventually merged with his mechanical aptitude, paving the way for a career in wind energy. “It all mixed in together, and I decided to do a career in wind,” he said.
As a veteran wind technician, Tyler firmly believed in the value of alternative energy. However, he also acknowledged that no energy source is perfect. “The ultimate goal is to make oil reserves last as long as possible,” said Tyler.
Being a wind technician is physically challenging, and after eight years as a tech, Tyler began thinking about the next step in his career. “Being a wind tech, there’s a shelf life. Your body cannot hold up more than 12 years or so. It’s very demanding on your body.”
Motivated by a desire to make a lasting impact and explore new opportunities, Tyler decided to pursue an engineering degree. “I wanted to take my lessons in the field and bring that knowledge into the engineering field to help the next generation of wind technicians,” he said.
To pursue his engineering degree, Tyler sought a flexible and reputable institution where he could earn his degree online. His search led him to ECPI University, which stood out for being veteran-friendly and worked with his schedule.
“I was very interested in 100% online engineering degrees. My job is physically demanding and driving two hours to the closest college to take classes wouldn’t work,” said Tyler. He also appreciated that ECPI was ABET accredited. “It’s a very good feather in the cap. It definitely looks good on the resume. People can look into it and see it’s an international program,” he said.
While balancing full-time work and studying, Tyler faced his own set of challenges. “I had to do between 4-5 hours of homework every night to have a weekend.”
He particularly enjoyed ECPI University’s interactive labs, which allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge practically. “They were vital, especially for learning CNC machine programming and heat transfer, and added a lot of value,” he said.
Tyler really appreciated the weekly check-ins and faculty support, and “that human touch,” he said. “We’re not just a number at ECPI.”
Reflecting on his journey, Tyler realized the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout. Unlike at traditional schools, at ECPI University, “you can plan for a break every now and then if you need it. It’s a great way to defeat burnout.”
After earning his associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), and then coming back for his bachelor’s degree in MET, Tyler highly recommends ECPI University to other students, emphasizing the personal support he received. “ECPI University Online has taught me how to work through difficulties and keep moving forward. I am proud of my growth here,” says Tyler.
Looking to the future, Tyler’s primary goal is to be a good engineer and contribute to the advancement of sustainable technologies. Tyler aspires to develop his skills within his current company, as it offers generous benefits such as a 401K, pension, and a stock plan.
Tyler’s journey from a farm in Missouri to becoming an engineer in the wind industry exemplifies the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s passions. Through his experiences as a wind technician and his studies at ECPI University, Tyler’s story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to make a positive change in their careers, for themselves and the world.