Benjamin Degn

Ben Degn originally came to Embry-Riddle in Prescott, Arizona to study Aerospace Engineering to quickly discover that he enjoyed computer engineering. “To enjoy problem solving is why we’re engineers!” With an emphasis on coding, Ben felt right at home using computer languages such as jQuery and HTML throughout his courses and at his on-campus job.

Joining the Information Technology (IT) department in October of 2009, Ben has updated content for the ERAU website as well as partake in behind-the-scenes coding of videos and presentations.

While spending time in the classroom and across the web, Ben is an active participant in eight clubs around the close-knit community on campus. He contributes his time among community service for Silver Wings and conducting the orchestra for the music club while working on a rocket payload for the NASA space grant as well as a control system for Unmanned Air Vehicles. In addition, a new organization as of last semester engages engineers such as Ben to commit to excellence in Tau Beta Pi, an Engineering Honor Society.

“It’s not just the education; it’s the campus community. You know everybody. Everybody is in the same field.” The small city is another appealing factor to the campus with its ideal dark skies to see the stars and ample room for outdoor activities. “It’s an extraordinary campus-environment. The classes are exceptional and I really like all of my professors.”

An instrumental professor with in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department is Dr. Matthew Jaffe.

“He’s got that really awesome combination between doing a whole ton of sidebars during class that are actually relevant and putting out really precise information. He is always knowledgeable about things that students usually have problems with and so his courses are effective in getting information to students in a way they understand it.” His humor especially allows students to connect with the learning environment.

ERAU supports opportunities to students, like Ben, to be in upper positions of leadership with clubs, on-campus work, and in the classroom. Ben maintains everything he does with a Latin phrase, “ad astra per aspera: to the stars, despite adversity” in true Embry-Riddle engineering style!