Chakka Parker, '02, MS'04

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Chakka Parker

Chakka Parker received her BS degree (2002) in electrical and computer engineering, and her MS degree (2004) in electrical engineering both from The Ohio State University. She was awarded the Litton Fellowship for graduate studies by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering where she was advised by Dr. Steven Bibyk. Other key mentors during her studies at the university included Dr. Hooshang Hemami, Dr. Bradley Clymer, Dr. Patrick Roblin, and Assistant Dean Minnie McGee.

While at OSU, Chakka enjoyed studying abroad and participated in three study abroad programs including South Africa and Zimbabwe, Egypt and China. These cultural experiences enriched her life in many ways and are some of her fondest memories. Other fond memories included pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a public service organization fostering sisterhood, scholarship, and public service. Her outreach to South Africa jointly with the OSU community landed her The Ohio State University Kaplan Humanitarian Award (2002). Other awards during her studies at OSU included the Minority Engineering Program Upperclassman of the Year Award (2002) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at OSU Executive Board Member of the Year Award (2003-2004).

 In 2003, Chakka was awarded a Texas Instruments fellowship as she pursued her graduate studies in analog circuit design and was a member of the TI research group at the university. Upon completion of her graduate studies, Chakka joined Texas Instruments fulltime, where she was a contributor in the Analog Business Group for five years. Then in 2008, she moved on to become a senior electrical engineer within Space and Airborne Systems at Raytheon Company where she is currently employed. Chakka is continuing her studies gaining more insight into the business strategic leadership perspective of industry. She is enrolled in a dual degree program where she will receive her Executive MBA (2013) and a MS degree (2013) in international management studies. Her motivation stems from her drive to be the best she can be as a role model for others who she can help along the way.