Nearly a year ago, Evan Kelly earned his Bachelor of Science degree in audio engineering technology and is currently working as a radio frequency technician for the defense contractor company Mercury Systems in Hudson, New Hampshire. Prior to this role, Evan worked as an audio technician at Professional Audio Design. He discovered the opportunity after landing an internship there in the summer of 2019. Due to his work ethic, dedication, and performance as an intern, he was able to land the job before graduating.
In his current role, Evan helps build defense systems for the Navy. His job is to test, diagnose, and repair any electrical problems within the components that make up each system. He says the various electronics classes he took as part of his audio engineering technology program helped him develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform this on the job.
Evan Kelly ’20, audio engineering technologyUHart prepared me by giving me the skills and confidence to put myself out there and apply what I learned to a job. I learned a lot as a student here, met great people, and truly enjoyed my time at UHart.
Evan says his favorite thing about UHart was the connections he made. In particular, he says he built long-lasting friendships with other students he met on campus, even some outside of his own major. This is one aspect that makes UHart so unique. You can study audio engineering technology, but have a friend who loves to make art, or see a concert on campus with another friend studying music. “The friendships I made definitely have had the most residual impact on me,” he says.
Along with the students, Evan says the faculty here at UHart also left a lasting impression on him. In particular, he credits Assistant Professor and Program Director Dave Shuman, Assistant Professor Tim Britt, and Professor Akram Abu-Aisheh for influencing him throughout his time at UHart.
Evan enjoyed being involved on campus and encourages any incoming student to do the same. He was a member of the student-run radio station on campus, WSAM, as well as the Audio Engineering Society UHart chapter. He also started the band Gravis with three other UHart students and had the opportunity to play many live shows on campus. To this day, Evan says the music and audio classes he took as part of his audio engineering technology program influenced his work as a musician and he still uses many of these hands-on skills today.
When asked what advice he would give to incoming students, Evan says to try new things and have as much fun as you can. He also says do not be ashamed to change your major. He originally enrolled in UHart as a mechanical engineering major with a concentration in acoustics, but had a change of heart in terms of his career goals. The College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture made it possible for him to easily transfer into his new major without being behind on his classes. Evan emphasizes you are not stuck in your major once you come to UHart and should pursue what you truly want, even if you have to make changes along the way.