Katherine Bailey, Electrical Engineering and Physics (2003)

Katherine Bailey came to PSU as a transfer student from Portland Community College. She chose PSU because it allowed her to keep working while finishing her degree.

"Portland State University allowed me to get an education in Electrical Engineering and Physics while still being able to stay in Portland and work almost full-time. I have met great people at PSU, from friends to faculty. It has certainly been a long haul, but a great and memorable experience."

While attending PSU, Katherine worked at TriMet, the Portland region's transit district. She started as a secretary and is now one of the engineers responsible for light rail vehicle fabrication and fleet expansion. Katherine says PSU gave her an edge because she was able to start "working in industry while attending school, which PSU easily allows. I have an advantage because I have years of experience in industry." In June 2003, she earned her BS degrees in electrical engineering and physics.

In addition to her engineering classes, Katherine was involved in student activities, serving as chair of PSU's IEEE campus branch. She also judged science fairs for various schools and science fairs. As part of her Senior Capstone project, she worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a project at Powerhouse 1 at Bonneville Lock and Dam.