In celebration of National Engineers Week, “Inspiring Wonder,” we are spotlighting one of our Senior Mechanical Engineers, Ryan O’Connell. Ryan started in HEAPY’s Indianapolis, IN office as a co-op while attending Purdue University. He then joined us full-time in our Education/Corporate Practice. Over the last 10 years, Ryan has gained valuable experience and has inspired colleagues and clients with his expertise and innovative abilities in the field.
Ryan’s Spotlight Interview:
What inspired you to become an engineer?
“I have always been motivated by challenges in life. Whether it is sports, education, or in my professional career, challenging myself in various aspects has always rewarded me. Engineering is a never-ending challenge! Even as I approach 10 years in the industry, I am constantly challenged with new and unique problems demanding new and unique answers. I am very passionate about looking for solutions to various project challenges.”
What do you do to inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers?
“Technology is advancing leaps and bounds every year, giving engineers access to new tools and different ways of thinking. It really is an incredible time for young engineers to enter the professional world to really challenge how things are ‘typically’ done. A fresh set of creative, motivated eyes can be the difference between a ‘last generation’ solution and a ‘next generation’ solution. I do my best to make myself available to all aspiring engineers, whether that means participating in the ACE Mentor Program, helping with higher-education design competitions, or talking with a student who is looking for career advice or needs help with a school project. If I can inspire the next generation of engineers to have confidence in their work and show them that their input can make a difference, then I am happy!”
Organizations Ryan is involved in:
• Architectural, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program
• Mentoring and giving MEP presentations to students at North Central High School
• Race to Zero Student Design Competition
