Biosystems Engineering
Biography
My name is Samantha Exum, and I am currently studying Biosystems Engineering with an Ecological Systems concentration. I am also a member of the class of 2027 Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (IBEP). Additionally, I am pursuing a minor in Honors Leadership Studies.
Outside of engineering, I play the piccolo in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band and have loved music from a young age. Music teaches valuable lessons such as patience, discipline, and collaboration. Progress necessitates effective practice, and a successful halftime performance requires hundreds of members to perform perfectly. My many hours spent in practice rooms and at band rehearsals have shaped me into the dedicated, productive, and collaborative person—and leader—that I am today.
I became aware of Heath IBEP during my senior year of high school, which ultimately influenced my decision to study engineering at the University of Tennessee: Knoxville (UTK). I believe that every engineer should have a fundamental understanding of the business decisions that drive product markets, subsequently better informing the design process. By collaborating with my business-major peers and engaging with professional mentors, I hope to emerge from the program as a well-rounded engineer capable of working in a truly interdisciplinary world.
My current professional goals include gaining valuable industry experience through engineering internships or co-op opportunities. This past summer, I interned with the KennedyStrong Foundation—a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina that advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This experience stretched me beyond my engineering mindset and required me to solve business problems like coordinating fundraising campaigns and marketing efforts. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to broaden my skill set and hope to apply these business skills to future engineering positions. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in sustainable engineering within fields such as renewable energy, ecological engineering, biofuels, or water quality and resource management.
