Dr. Coray Davis, Chair of Engineering Answers the Question: Why Engineering?

Dr. Coray Davis, Capitol Tech's Chair of Engineering, spoke with the Capitol Technology University Blog to talk about his personal experience leading to his career in engineering in celebration of Engineers Week. 

Why did you decide to become an engineer? What drove you towards this field?

I knew from an early age that I had a knack for problem solving. I would take apart devices and attempt to reassemble for understanding, and add new components. Throughout high school this knack was reinforced through opportunities and project. I recall my first time being able to weld and cut pieces of metal and experiencing the extreme temperature changes it took to do so. Later in college, it all came together with an understanding of the full design process and how there could be various design considerations to solve a problem. My computer aided drafting abilities allowed for ease of design of parts.

What accomplishment are you the most proud of that you never would have gotten to without your engineering degree?

Dr. Davis: Engineering enabled me to work for both public and private organizations. My ability to understand Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), combined with and understanding of transportation equipment and civil structures allowed me to perform in both the field and the design environment. Later, I decided to use this expertise in higher education. Honing the CADD skills, holistically prepared me for appreciating the design, once fabricated and installed, in addition to the fact that designing top priority is safety. It really makes you appreciate the service that we as Engineer’s perform. We truly care for “the betterment of human welfare”.  

What one piece of advice would you give to someone without an engineering background who is interested in becoming an engineer?

Dr. Davis: Remain focused on your craft. If you continue to work hard and perfect your craft, you have something that makes you an expert in the field. As an expert, you now have extensive knowledge in a particular area and can be called on to innovate, educate, and design to make a difference in the world.

Click here for more information about Dr. Davis and his goals for the Department or click here to explore Capitol Tech's engineering degrees in a variety of fields at the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.