Victoria Radcliffe ‘25, an acoustical engineering and music major, will start as a staff engineer at Noise Control Engineering, LLC after graduation. During her studies, she completed two internships: one with Resource Systems Group and another with Noise Control Engineering. Victoria found it impactful to have real-life responsibilities and projects, akin to being a full-time employee. “I gained field experience, learned to interface with clients, developed technical skills by running acoustical simulations, and honed my writing skills through reports and memos,” she explains.
Victoria chose this field of study due to her passion for science and math, combined with her love for music. She felt this degree was a perfect blend of her interests. She has successfully applied classroom skills to her industry experience, noting their direct correlation. “My textbooks sit on my desk in the office, and I use them often,” Victoria says. “From calculations learned in school to using sound level meters and other equipment on site visits, I can apply most of my education.”
Victoria’s experience at UHart has boosted her confidence in expressing her skills and abilities. “I have increased my knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking skills, fostering my journey as a lifelong learner,” she notes. Before attending UHart, she struggled with networking and making professional connections. Victoria credits The Women's Advancement Initiative’s LEAD program and her involvement with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for her growth in this area. “Through networking practice at LEAD luncheons and SWE dinners, I became much more comfortable marketing myself and clarifying my career goals.”
On campus, Victoria served as president of SWE, was on the lead team for the CETA ambassadors, was a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Acoustical Society of America, and served as vice president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers. She also was an active participant in LEAD. “My experience in the LEAD program was one of my favorite parts of UHart,” she says. “I loved building a community of women who empowered each other throughout college. The skills I gained are invaluable, and the friendships are lasting.”
Several CETA faculty members, including Chris Jasinski (acoustical engineering and music program director) and Professor Robert Celmer, significantly impacted Victoria. In the spring of her senior year, she conducted research under Jasinski on the drag effects of Helmholtz resonance in aeroacoustic liners, establishing trends that outline how certain resonator characteristics affect thrust. Additionally, she credits Celmer with being crucial to her career success, as he introduced her to a UHart alumnus working for her future employer.
Victoria Radcliffe ‘25, Acoustical Engineering and MusicPut yourself out there! Join the club, do the research project, talk to the professor, etc. You never know what impact one conversation will have on the trajectory of your future.