Student Spotlight

Eric Barker, a senior from Denver, Colorado, has always been intrigued by the intersection of design and technology. His decision to switch his major from pre-Graphic Design to Computer Engineering was solidified at the BYU Open Major Fair, where he was captivated by an exhibit of a sand cart that dynamically changed topographical lines as the mounds of sand changed shape. This interaction led him to consult with Dr. Long, a computer engineering professor, who assured him that he could handle the demands of the rigorous major.

Fast forward a few years, and Eric is now the one creating exhibits for events like the Open Major Fair. As the manager of the ECE Experiential Learning Center, Eric oversees other student workers, assists students with their projects, runs the robotics competition, and prepares demonstrations for campus events. His dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. Professor Cammy Peterson praises Eric, saying, “Eric is amazingly talented and on the ball. He is critical in keeping our shop running and has done a ton of good for the students in our department.”

Eric’s journey to success hasn’t been without challenges. He had to take a year off from his studies due to health issues and navigated a long-distance relationship with his now-wife, Jessica, due to visa delays during the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Eric remains resilient. He and Jessica are now happily married and proud parents of a four-year-old son, Henry.

Early in his time in the Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) department, Eric felt a little like an outsider. "Before I got a job at the shop, I am not sure I did really feel like I belonged," he explained. In addition to the difficulty levels of his classes, Eric was a 31-year-old married student with no time for clubs or extracurricular activities. After joining the ECE Experiential Learning Center, Eric felt that he had finally found his place, saying: "The ELC was the thing that helped me feel like I belonged in the major."

Eric's advice to other students? Get involved. Join clubs, research groups, resource centers, anything that piques your interest. "[It] is a good way to fight the Imposter Syndrome that a lot of students have...you will find that most people in this major are really easy to get along with; so, as you are working on projects together, the belonging just kind of happens."

Outside of his academic pursuits, Eric enjoys the outdoors, especially mountain biking, fishing, and backpacking. He has recently added a “glamping” element to camping to make it more appealing to Jessica. He also enjoys watercolor painting and building furniture and gadgets for their apartment. He even developed a peristaltic pump to redirect water from a leaking AC unit to their garden, which he found more fun and empowering than he expected.

Eric is set to graduate in December and is currently considering job offers from around the country, as well as the possibility of grad school. He and Jessica are applying a lot of fasting and prayer to figure out their next steps.

We are grateful for the impact Eric has made in the College of Engineering and wish him and Jessica the best as they navigate their next adventure.