Hello! I’m Ted Birkland, a passionate Modeling and Simulation Engineering student entering my third year. I am thrilled to be a part of the fellowship offered by ODU, where I can deepen my exploration of technology and its transformative potential. My goal is to design immersive environments that mirror real-world systems while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in simulation and innovation. I’m excited to take on new challenges, work alongside talented peers, and contribute to the future of technology.

Hello, I’m Hannah Ritchard, a sophomore Modeling and Simulation Engineering (MSE) major at Old Dominion University. What fascinates me most about MSE is not only the impressive degree of realism that can be achieved in a simulated environment, but also the vast range of applications for said simulations. I’m so grateful to be working in a collaborative field with such brilliant and talented students alongside me, and I hope that with MSE I may create the technological wonders of tomorrow to inspire the next generation of engineers as today’s innovations inspire me.

I am currently a Sophomore student and in my first year of Modeling and Simulation. No matter what it was, I’ve always been eager to be part of something new and different. A degree in Modeling and Simulation allows me to turn my passion for engineering into valuable skills that are in demand in a rapidly growing industry.

My name is Branden Ramos. I spent the last nine years in the US Navy operating and maintaining control equipment for nuclear reactors on submarines as an electronic technician. This was the birth of my interest in utilizing the power of computer models and simulations.  I am excited to study Modeling and Simulation Engineering and use it to advance our civilization in the realms of manned space flight and surviving in harsh environments like the deep ocean and in space.

Hello, I’m Barath Kannan, a sophomore in Modeling and Simulation Engineering at Old Dominion University. I grew up mesmerized by laptops, phones, and iPads. This fascination boosted my curiosity to learn more in-depth about technology, which made me want to explore the fundamental principles behind the screen. I wanted to deconstruct the ‘magic’ and understand it at a fundamental level. I am excited to learn more about computer such as AI, Machine Learning and my ultimate goal is to specialize in modeling and simulation to create hyper-realistic virtual environments, where AI and machine learning models can be safely trained and validated before they are deployed in the real world. Pursuing a degree in computer engineering is my way of satisfying that deep-seated curiosity and challenging my way through to create a future in technology with the skills and knowledge I learn from this program.

Hi, I’m Jack DiBari. I’ve always been drawn to computers and programming, but as I kept learning, I started getting more interested in the theory behind how things work. That curiosity led me to Modeling and Simulation Engineering, where I found a mix of creativity, math, and technology. What excites me is how MSE lets us model complex systems and make sense of the world in new ways. I’m looking forward to exploring the many paths this field offers and using what I learn to build meaningful and innovative solutions.

Hello, my name is Leo Brennan. I am a junior at Old Dominion University and majoring in Modeling and Simulation Engineering (MSE). Growing up, I have always excelled at math and science, especially computer programming. These are things that I have always intuitively understood. I want to use my talents to help people and to make a lot of money, and MSE is the best way to do both. Hundreds of companies use MSE in their work to ensure that the products they design work properly and efficiently. Many more are utilizing analytical AI to solve problems that were previously considered unsolvable. The future of MSE is bright and I want to be a part of it.

My name is Nathan Park. My background is filled with experiences that eventually led me to the modeling and simulation program at Old Dominion. I served as a reactor operator and electronics technician for 6 years in the US Navy, worked in the nuclear fuel enrichment industry, and even worked for a company working on small modular reactor design. Now, in a new turn in my professional development, I serve as a Pathways intern at NASA Langley Research center working with the data systems teams who assist with wind tunnel experiments on next generation aerospace technologies. What is in common with all of these industries? They all involve complex control systems and the need for safety. My passion is in these industrial scale control systems and how we can design high fidelity simulations to help with design, training, and troubleshooting to make operations safer and more reliable.

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