Richard Jiles

EE 494

Oct. 17th 2016

Cumulative Reflection
Throughout my university career, Iowa State University has taught me how to solve problems
and create solutions to various problems from many different backgrounds. My ability to work in teams
while solving these various problems has been developed to the point of understanding that working in
teams is the more accurate and efficient method to creating a confident solution. We have developed
skills to solve entire systems as opposed to solving systems.
Basic calculus classes and linear algebra classes from the university gave us the fundamental
skills in order to approach our engineering problems. Without these skills we would not be able to
evaluate certain systematic equations. Going hand in hand with the mathematical models of the
systems is the physics aspect. Most if the not all problems we are faced with have a certain physics
background so it is imperative that we understand the limits of the problem. Once we had the
fundamental problem solving skills understood, we were able to apply them to the questions we were
faced in our engineering classes.
Finally, after we had gained extensive knowledge in the engineer field we have skills that are so
powerful we learned about the potential for abuse and how to behave ethically. Analyzing cases that
have been brought up around the world and analyzed the negative repercussions an engineer might
have if they dont report data correctly. We also have a level of understanding that cannot be easily
taught to the general public in a short amount of time and therefore they are easily mislead due to the
language barrier between engineers and more generally educated peoples. We must do what is right
and what appears to be in the best interest of both the company we work for and the population of the
world arounds us, as our inventions will be seen the world over.

Richard Jiles

EE 494

Oct. 17th 2016

Student organizations such as IEEE and HKN helped me branch out and meet other students
within the department. They also taught people skills and presentation skills, such as when I was the
projects chair and had to present to a general audience. Additionally my work as a teaching assistant
helps me re learn and fully understand previous class material. By helping others and revisiting the
material I fill in any gaps students may have between class concepts. This also gives me some
presentation skills due to the fact I have to explain the lab to roughly 25 students. Additionally by
grading material I further understand how students approach the material and learn of difficulties in this
area and report on them to the professor.
I have been constantly learning how to apply my knowledge outside of school. Specifically
through the use of projects that I create for myself and utilize my class material to complete. Typically
reverse engineering certain systems and seeing how one simple project takes on the material of 5 or 6
classes at once. Aside from outside projects I regularly read the projects that other people are doing
through IEEE explorer and through videos that fellow electrical engineers have made of their projects.
Keeping up with the current market and field is important
If I were to do my undergraduate degree differently I would attempt to be much more organized
with all of my files and homeworks. Beyond submitting them for grading, I should have a specific place
to keep of the files and reports as well as code. During my senior year I finally created a consistent
system whereby I scan in all my homework and put them on my hard drive in an easy to access manor. I
have the class number, then 2 folders which contain the lab and the homework files. This had been a
huge advantage when doing homework as often times I need to reference the previous homework that I
have done and understand how I did that 2 4 weeks ago. The instructors provide solutions but they
often dont report the same steps that I had used on my own a few weeks ago, so referencing my own
material is better when following steps.