Electrical Engineering
- Hometown: Milford, Michigan
Biography
My name is Emmalee Neils, and I am thrilled to be a member of the 2026 cohort of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering program. I come from Milford, Michigan, and I am absolutely loving my time here in Knoxville. Moving farther away from home was a significant change for me, but it's a step I'm glad to have taken. It has bolstered my independence and interpersonal skills, pushing me to become more comfortable with trying new things than ever before. While I've never been a big fan of change, coming to a new state alone was unquestionably outside of my comfort zone. However, when I visited here, I knew it was the place for me.
I possess a strong work ethic and unwavering determination to achieve the goals I set for myself. I work diligently to ensure success in the areas I value and strive to help others do the same. Along the way, I've gained a wealth of leadership experience, whether through participation in a sports team, group projects, or engagement with the Ignite program here at UT.
I was certain that I wanted to incorporate a knowledge of business into my education, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. When I learned about Heath IBEP, I was convinced that I needed to be a part of it. Business and engineering are deeply intertwined, yet the connection may not always be apparent in our coursework. Nevertheless, in the industry, you can't have one without the other. I'm enthusiastic about collaborating with individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to develop a more open-minded approach to problem-solving. I aim to acquire knowledge applicable beyond the classroom and encourage both myself and my peers to make the most of our time in the program.
I am still in the process of discovering my specific career path within the industry. Initially, I am interested in a position that involves travel and allows me to connect with people in different regions, thereby expanding my network. In the long term, I would like to work in a leadership role or in management. I have a growing interest in programming and have recently developed an affinity for circuits. I am searching for a position where I can be part of a cohesive team that thrives on collaboration and is eager to teach, learn, and adapt as the industry evolves.
