Tell Us about Yourself

I am in my senior year of college and working part-time as an engineer for AMRDEC [U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development].

What AEOP program(s) did you participate in?

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship (SEAP), College Qualified Leaders (CQL)

Words of Advice?

You lose nothing by trying. Work hard, do everything you are asked of to the best of their ability. Passion for your work also goes a long way.

Best Things about the Program?

One of the greatest benefits to me was the opportunity to meet so many professionals in a large variety of fields. I was also very happy that I could work part-time while in school, enabling me to have zero student loans. I was also fortunate to have worked in several different groups which allowed me to become familiar with nearly every major system the U.S. Army deploys.

How Participating in AEOP Inspired You to Advance in the STEM Field?

My experience allowed me to learn what it meant to be an engineer in the U.S. Army. That changed my career path by allowing me to find the exact kind of engineer I wanted to be. With that knowledge, I made changes to my education to work towards a new goal.

Tell us something interesting about you

Most students just study engineering while in school. But I am also studying welding at a technical college while attending engineering school.

Who is your favorite STEM role model?

Capt. Edward A. Murphy. He was an engineer in the Air Force from 1947 to 1952. He coined the term “Murphy’s law” when working on an Air Force project. I relate to him because I see Murphy’s law apply almost every day.

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Joseph Patterson

Joseph Patterson
  • Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

    Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

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