BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2026: Eric Scott Sisson Jr.

What is your name, age, classification and major?

My name is Eric Scott Sisson, Jr. I am 22 years old and am currently a senior in Electrical Engineering

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

I began studying at MSU in the Fall 2022 semester and am expected to graduate in May 2026

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

I chose MSU because of the great environment I witnessed and felt on campus. Coming from a small town, it felt like a community where anyone could say hello; it was a place where I could set my own pace, meet new people, and strive for something more.

I chose to pursue the electrical engineering field because of my father, who works with electricity. He inspired me and helped along the spark of curiosity I had about how things work. My family has always been a huge motivator for me, and they have supported me every step of the way.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

My favorite campus organizations I have the honor of being part of and serving in are the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), Tau Beta Pi, and SoutheastCon Robotics.

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

My favorite course I have taken at MSU is Sensor Processing for Autonomous Vehicles with Dr. John Ball. Between Dr. Ball’s ability to engage with his students and the interactive demonstrations and examples in the class, I felt immersed in the topic and enjoyed learning about concepts that continue to shape the world around us.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?

One of the most challenging courses I have taken at MSU is Fundamentals of Energy Systems. In fundamentals, we explored electric motors, generators, and the applications of these systems. The course forced me to dive into meta-learning – making me analyze how I learned, which helped me to grow as a student.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at the Bagley College of Engineering?

During my time at the Bagley College of Engineering, one key aspect of engineering that I have learned is how important people are to engineering. Math, ideas, expertise, knowledge, effort, and many other aspects make up engineering; however, none of these aspects reach their full potential without the people behind them. People are at the core of everything engineering strives to accomplish.

How has MSU and, specifically, the Bagley College of Engineering prepared you for professional life after college?

MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering have prepared me for professional life by equipping me with knowledge of core concepts in my field that I will be able to build on throughout my career. Additionally, my time at MSU has allowed me to meet some of the most important people in my life, personally and professionally, with one of the most important parts being the chance to meet my wife.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending Auburn University to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on robotics and controls.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

I will miss the amazing friends that I have come to know at MSU. I have been blessed to be surrounded by people who are passionate, driven, loving, caring, and full of the life that has made my time at MSU worth its weight in gold. Additionally, I will miss the faculty who have poured into my peers and me, for which I am very grateful.