Pursuing his passion: Robert Zupke
More than 100 electrical and computer engineering undergraduate students will be among the 10,400 who will earn degrees – the largest spring quarter graduating class ever – during the final quarter commencement exercises at Ohio State on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Some ECE graduates will continue their education, while others will enter the workforce. Each of these students has a unique story; join us as we highlight a few of them over the next week.
Robert Zupke’s passion for technology, especially consumer electronics and computers, began at an early age.
“When I was younger my family was always telling me that I was going to become an engineer. This was mostly because I loved to take things apart to see how they worked from a very young age,” he says. “As I got older, I realized that there was really no other profession that would satisfy my passion for electronics, computers and technology.”
Because of his love of computers, Zupke originally planned to go into computer engineering. After three years of college and two internships, however, he decided he wanted to know more about various areas within electrical and computer engineering.
“I believe that the things that I have learned while becoming an electrical engineer apply to a very wide range of problems, and I am proud to say that I feel very confident with an electrical engineering degree from Ohio State,” he says.
During his time at Ohio State, Zupke has excelled academically, but he has also made time for extracurricular activities. This year Zupke served as president of Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the honorary for electrical engineers, and earned an academic excellence award from IEEE Columbus.
“One of the best things that I have done while at Ohio State was get involved with HKN and IEEE,” he says. “Planning events and networking with other students has provided me with great friendships and good leadership experience that I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.”
After graduation, Zupke will pursue his passion for consumer electronics at Apple, one of the most-admired companies in the industry. As he moves to Apple’s corporate headquarters in Cupertino, CA, Zupke will treasure memories of his time at Ohio State.
“Outside of the long hours spent in the labs, I favor the camaraderie that is present among all students at Ohio State,” he explains. “Those who do not attend Ohio State can witness this on football Saturdays, but in reality this goes deeper than sports.”
