After impressively graduating from the University of Hartford in just three years with a bachelor's in computer and electronic engineering technology, Robert Perusini has chosen to extend his time at UHart by pursuing a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering through the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA). He describes his undergraduate years at UHart as “excellent,” and is excited to begin work as a part-time laboratory instructor while pursuing his master's through CETA. For Robert, solid working relationships with his professors lead to success in his field and the support to undertake CETA’s graduate program.
Professor Saeid Moslehpour acted as Perusini’s academic advisor and faculty technical advisor during his undergraduate Capstone course. It was during this course that Robert worked alongside fellow classmate Frank Abela '20, M’22 to design a 32-bit Microprocessor using NIOS II and Quartus Prime. It was demoed at the virtual CETA Design Expo in the spring of 2020.
Robert says that “Professor Moslehpour was also the faculty member who encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree in engineering despite graduating with a degree in technology.” The two degrees are generally not thought of as working in tandem, but Robert was encouraged to pursue the electrical and computer engineering graduate program in part because of his solid academic performance.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Chair and Associate Professor Ying Yu, was also instrumental in Perusini’s accomplishments. Both Moslehpour and Yu allowed Robert to complete his degree in only three years. According to Robert, “several semesters required overrides for various reasons, including taking more than 18 credits, as well as testing out of courses based on my knowledge of the subject, which all required both the advisor and departmental approval.”
Despite the long hours of studying and forging relationships with faculty, Perusini says “I can say truthfully with 100% certainty that if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would attend the University again in a heartbeat, and I have no regrets about my decision to attend the University of Hartford.”
Despite today’s cost of education, Robert believes that his tuition at UHart was money well-spent. “While normally the school is on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of cost, the school offers many mitigating factors, including generous scholarships, work-study, and part-time employment that are even available to undergraduates,” says Perusini.
What advice does he have for incoming students? Robert maintains it’s important to “stay true to who you are.” By going to the University of Hartford, forging productive relationships with faculty, and demonstrating that he is willing to put in the effort, Perusini insists that students should maintain a personal commitment to the ethical and honest completion of their degree. Robert believes that “nothing worth doing is ever easy, and you should endeavor to meet that challenge head-on.”
Robert Perusini '20, M’22I can say truthfully with 100% certainty that if I had the opportunity to do it all over again I would attend the University again in a heartbeat, and I have no regrets about my decision to attend the University of Hartford.