Student Spotlight:
Gerrit Bruland

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask electrical engineering major Gerrit Bruland for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

Gerrit was recently awarded the IEEE PES Scholarship. The IEEE Power and Energy Society provides scholarships and real world experience to undergraduates who are interested in power and energy engineering careers.

What does receiving the IEEE PES Scholarship mean to you?

The IEEE PES Scholarship, awarded by the IEEE Power & Energy Society through its Scholarship Plus Initiative, supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in power and energy engineering. It provides financial assistance and industry recognition, helping attract talented students to the field and encouraging them to shape the future of energy.

Receiving this scholarship has been a great honor. Not only has it helped fund my education, but it has also connected me with professionals and career opportunities in the industry. It has reinforced my passion for power engineering and given me a deeper appreciation for its impact on the world.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I chose WSU for its strong sense of community and college-town atmosphere without being in a large city. Being an in-state school and having a brother who is a WSU alum also made it a natural choice.

Growing up, I enjoyed math and science and found them intuitive. I wanted a major that would truly challenge me, and engineering was the clear choice. I chose electrical engineering for its complexity, problem-solving demands, and its role in shaping modern technology. The knowledge I gain in class directly applies to the systems and innovations that power the world around us.

What has been your favorite class or program that you’ve been involved with at WSU?

For introductory courses, I really enjoyed Engineering 120 with Olivia Reynolds and Computer Science 121 and 122 with Andy O’Fallon. These classes emphasized collaboration through hands-on projects in labs that reinforced key concepts. Although I was set on electrical engineering, Engineering 120 was especially helpful with learning about the other types of engineering majors, which would help someone that is undecided explore the different possible career paths in engineering.

For electrical engineering courses I enjoyed Circuits I with John Schneider, the introductory course that lays the foundation for understanding circuits and some basic components. I enjoyed it so much that I later became a TA for the course, where I had the opportunity to help students who were in the same position I once was. Circuits II with Professor Torabi was another great experience, thanks to both the engaging material and an excellent professor.

I have also enjoyed the electrical engineering lab courses, which transform lecture concepts into real-world circuits to test. These labs reinforce understanding through hands-on experience, demonstrating that true learning comes from applying theory, not just studying it.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

My advice is to make the most of your time at WSU by getting involved, staying active, and building connections. Join clubs, work on projects, and seek out hands-on experiences. Once you’ve completed enough coursework, start applying for internships—early experience will give you a significant advantage in gaining industry knowledge and career opportunities.

It is also important to find balance. College isn’t just about school. Take time to enjoy weekends by watching sports, spending time with friends, or going out and doing something. Having a structured schedule for both academics and personal life is key to avoiding burnout and making the most of your college experience.

Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study?

I interned with the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as an electrical design engineering intern and I am currently an integration and automation engineering intern at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL).

At USACE, I gained hands-on experience with hydroelectric power generation, modernizing aging electrical infrastructure, and the business processes behind large-scale electrical design projects. Visiting project sites gave me a firsthand look at their impact on the state’s power system.

At SEL, I have been working on projects involving the application and testing of protective relays, gaining insight into research and development and the reliability of critical power system equipment.