![](https://ece.umd.edu/sites/ece.umd.edu/files/Franklin_head_shot.jpg)
What I enjoy about ECE is the knowledge that I am getting from my education. It is a field that delivers the physics necessary to understand the world and the skill set needed to confront human challenges.
Please tell us about yourself
I grew up in Bangangte, a small town in west-Cameroon. I migrated to the U.S. in December 2007 and enrolled in Montgomery College, where I obtained my associate degree in 2011. I, thereafter, transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park and received my bachelor’s degree in 2013.
Why did you choose the ECE UMD Department?
At my early age, I was highly fascinated with electronic devices such as radios, televisions, and calculators to the point of taking them apart against my parent's wishes. I picked the ECE department because it was the correct path for me to learn more about electronics. I decided to go with Maryland because of my familiarity with some faculty members that I met during my 2011 MERIT (Maryland Engineering Research Internship Team) internship. I also wanted to stay in Maryland to avoid the out-of-state student status; I was financially limited to afford the resulting cost of education. My choice became evident when my friend made me aware that UMD offers an engineering program ranked among the best, worldwide.
What research area are you specializing in?
I am sixth-year Ph.D. student in the ECE Department. My current research focuses on the study of new materials for high voltage systems. I am analyzing modern semiconductors to establish the accurate value of impact ionization coefficients needed to model avalanche breakdown. I work under the supervision of Dr. Neil Goldsman, my ENEE 313 teacher, who introduced me to the field of microelectronics in the Spring of 2012.
What do you enjoy about ECE?
What I enjoy about ECE is the knowledge that I am getting from my education. It is a field that delivers the physics necessary to understand the world and the skill set needed to confront human challenges.
As president of ECEGSA, what are your plans for the group?
As the president of ECEGSA, my main goal is to be a valuable resource for my comrades. I want to organize more events that can benefit us academically and socially. The ECE graduate students’ community is large and diverse, with a population having a wide range of skills set. Part of my plans is to get my fellows and I engage more often and combine talents to achieve various objectives such as attending worldwide competitions, organizing educational outreaches, and daring social activities (comedy, dance, travel, music).
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I wish to get a job and start a family. I am likely to be hired from my current internship provider; I am also open to academic positions because I want to mimic some of my teachers who are role models. Regardless of my employment, I wish to continue research and expand my knowledge by exploring other engineering domains.
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