Outstanding Senior Spotlight: Shawn Feezer
Computer engineering major Shawn Feezer is one of three students to receive recognition as an outstanding senior from the University of California, Davis, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
From an a-ha moment with LEGO airplanes to discovering a fascination with digital design, we spoke with Shawn Feezer to learn more about his journey to become an Aggie Engineer and his research aspirations when he begins a master's program at UC Davis later this year.
What initially inspired you to pursue engineering, and how has that inspiration evolved throughout your time at UC Davis?
A decade ago, as a stay-at-home father, I was contemplating restarting my education once both of my children had reached elementary school. While building LEGO airplanes with my son, I realized how much I enjoyed finding creative solutions within the constraints of a limited brick selection. That moment sparked the idea that engineering might be the right path for me.
I enrolled in a general engineering program at Sierra College, where a circuits course steered me toward computer engineering. As I explored the field further at UC Davis, I discovered my passion for digital design, a specialty rich in complexity and depth. Everything I learn about digital circuits raises more questions about their possibilities, driving me to dive deeper into the field.
Can you share a project, research experience or memory that you found particularly rewarding or impactful during your studies?
My first research experience took place in Professor Bevan Baas' VLSI Computation Lab, where I briefly took over a field programmable gate array project from another lab member. The board was highly specialized and, as a result, had sparse documentation and required tools that I was unfamiliar with. Progress required weeks of tutorials, guides and example projects, and each breakthrough was preceded by extensive troubleshooting and investigation. Though I was unable to bring the project to completion, I made significant progress, overcoming roadblocks that had stalled prior work.
This [experience] sheds light on the stark contrast between structured undergraduate labs and the complexities of real-world implementation. It was an invaluable lesson that reshaped my expectations of engineering challenges and has undeniably prepared me for my upcoming years.
Who is one of your favorite engineering professors and why?
In my second quarter at UC Davis, I took "Intro to Computer Architecture" with [Child Family Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship] John Owens. From the very first lecture, he gave a clear warning about the difficulty of the course. Despite the complexities of data paths, control logic and pipelining, he elegantly broke the material into incremental concepts that built upon one another, ultimately forming a cohesive and clear picture of a fascinating topic.
Outside the classroom, [Professor] Owens played a major role in shaping my academic path. I found myself leaning toward the project-based track, intimidated by the demands of research. In spite of my reservations, [Professor] Owens helped me see the opportunities available at UC Davis and offered reassurance that helped me decide to adjust my goals towards research. His support and encouragement were instrumental in getting me to where I am today.
What advice would you give to your first-year self, or to incoming students, about making the most of their time in the College of Engineering?
Even in the best of times, pursuing an engineering degree is extremely challenging. At its most demanding, it can take a real toll. None of my achievements were accomplished in isolation. All of my successes are rooted in the support of the institutions I've attended, my peers and, most importantly, my wife and kids.
Build connections with peers you can trust when the workload becomes overwhelming. Understand the support programs available to you. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to keep moving forward. That support makes all the difference.
What's next for you after graduation?
I will be continuing my studies at UC Davis, pursuing a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering through the Integrated Degree Program. I plan on focusing my research on digital design and VLSI, and after completing that degree, I plan to transition into industry.
