For Sean McKenna '26, a lifelong curiosity about computers grew from taking apart his first computer to launching a career as a simulation engineer.
Sean graduated from the University of Hartford in May with a degree in computer and electronic engineering technology and a minor in computer science. His interest in the field began at an early age, inspired by a cousin who would take apart computers while staying with McKenna's family between military deployments.
"I'd pepper him with questions the entire time he was trying to focus," Sean recalls. "That led to me building my first computer in the second grade, and from there my love for computers grew beyond just the hardware."
At UHart, Sean found a hands-on learning environment that allowed him to turn that early curiosity into practical engineering skills. His coursework regularly involved building, wiring, programming, and debugging projects—all experiences that closely mirror the work he now does professionally.
"The emphasis on practical projects gave me a portfolio of real work to talk about in interviews," he emphasizes. "The smaller class sizes also meant professors knew me personally and could point me toward opportunities."
His experience outside the classroom was just as meaningful. Sean played for and helped coach the UHart rugby team through his junior year and was a member of Kappa Sigma. Among his favorite memories was joining the fraternity and forming friendships he expects to carry with him for life.
Balancing academics, athletics, and responsibilities at home wasn't always easy. Sean frequently traveled back to Boston on weekends to help with his family's business, while also navigating injuries from playing rugby. Throughout it all, he said, UHart faculty consistently supported him.
Sean McKenna '26, College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture alumnusThe professors treated us like future engineers rather than just students.
"What I enjoyed most about being a student at the University of Hartford was the professors," Sean said. "They were some of the most understanding people I've ever met."
He specifically credits College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) faculty members Dongbin Kim, Raymond Moskus, and Keshawn Smith for making a lasting impact on his education. Kim challenged Sean to continue growing as an engineer and encouraged him to share his internship experiences with classmates. Moskus emphasized hands-on learning and made time to work through challenging concepts with students. Smith brought energy and passion to the classroom while encouraging students to push themselves.
"The CETA faculty as a whole were a huge part of my success," Sean explains. "The professors treated us like future engineers rather than just students."
That preparation became even more valuable through Sean's internship experience at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout college, he rotated through four different areas of the organization: sensor systems integration, computer engineering, cybersecurity research, and embedded software engineering.
The variety gave Sean the opportunity to see how different engineering disciplines work together on complex programs while gaining experience contributing to real projects. "My favorite aspect was the variety," he recalls. "I got to see how many different disciplines come together on a single program, and I found out firsthand what kind of work I enjoy most."
Sean’s internship also taught him skills that extend beyond technical knowledge, including teamwork, communication with senior engineers, documentation, and accountability for deliverables. Ultimately, the experience led directly to a full-time position.
Following graduation, Sean began his career as a simulation engineer at Draper. "I was fortunate enough to convert to a full-time position," he says. "For now, I'm focused on growing as an engineer."
As he looks ahead, Sean credits UHart and CETA with giving him both the technical foundation and confidence to take that next step. "CETA gave me both the technical skills and the confidence to use them," he notes. "The applied nature of the CEET program meant I graduated already comfortable with the tools and workflows used in industry."
Outside of work, Sean enjoys traveling and staying active through lifting and fitness.
As he begins his professional career, Sean reflects on the people who helped him get there. “I would like to thank my family for their constant support throughout college, and everyone at Draper who helped me grow from an intern into an engineer.”