Sparking the Future: A Journey into Electrical and Electronic Engineering
IET Student Member Stephan Abdo shares his passion for exploring the intricacies of electronics, his journey through university, and his aspirations in chip design.
From an early age, Stephan was captivated by the mechanics behind everyday objects.
“I was always mesmerised by the idea of being able to predict and explain why things worked, the patterns that we could observe in nature, and revealing the curtain behind which lied the logic and design for everyday objects.”
With an appreciation for maths and science, his curiosity naturally evolved into a passion for engineering.
“I’ve always wanted to understand how things worked, from the basic components we see in school to the complex technologies like computers and the internet,” Stephan shared.
Why Electrical and Electronic Engineering?
Initially uncertain about which sub-field of engineering to choose, Stephan eventually decided on Electrical and Electronic Engineering because of its breadth and career prospects. “I was drawn to the diversity of the field, from communication systems to power engineering. It felt like the perfect choice to answer my questions about electricity and how we transition from basic components to sophisticated devices,” he explained.
Additionally, a burgeoning interest in chip design, fuelled by advancements in AI accelerators, guided Stephan’s decision. “The link between computer hardware and software felt very mysterious and interesting to me. Furthermore, with strong investment in the industry at the time with all the need for AI accelerators, it felt like the obvious choice.”
What makes the course enjoyable?
For Stephan, the most rewarding aspect of his course is the hands-on lab work. “Spending hours experimenting with oscilloscopes and breadboards helps understand what we learn in lectures. It’s also a lot of fun, especially when working in groups,” he said.
Projects are another highlight. One memorable experience was programming an 8051 microcontroller to create a functioning display using a seven-segment display and matrix keypad. “It felt incredibly rewarding to complete the task after hours of coding and debugging – it was a great bridge between software and hardware.”
A typical day
Any given day for Stephan may involve attending lectures, labs, and tutorials, followed by reviewing and practising material at home. “I make sure to prepare for upcoming sessions by quickly glancing over related material,” he noted. During peak times, such as mid-terms or project deadlines, Stephan dedicates additional hours to ensure all work is completed on time.
Extra-curricular activities and looking ahead
Outside of academics, Stephan co-founded and runs the Circuit Design Society. “We wanted to give students more opportunities for hands-on lab work. From Arduino projects to robotics, our Friday sessions help students build new skills and connect with like-minded peers.”
Stephan aspires to specialise in RTL design for computer chips, with a focus on AI training accelerators. After completing his Bachelor’s, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Computer Architecture. “The field of artificial intelligence excites me, and I hope to contribute to designing accelerators that advance this technology.”
Making the most of IET membership
Joining the IET was a strategic step in Stephan’s journey. “The range of events and competitions were my main motivation. They offer invaluable networking opportunities and technical workshops that boost my skills,” he said.
Stephan actively explores E+T Jobs, E+T Magazine and attends events relevant to computing and chip design. “The job board has been an excellent tool for tracking internship opportunities, and the newsletter keeps me informed about all engineering fields – not just my own,” he added.
With a clear vision and a drive to innovate, Stephan is determined to make a lasting impact in the field of computer architecture, leveraging the support and resources of the IET to build a future in chip design and artificial intelligence.