The Bridge - Issue 1, 2022 - 30

Donor Profile
William R Goodin, Ph.D.
Alumni Advisor for Student Groups
UCLA Samueli School of Engineering
Iota Gamma Chapter
Dr. William Goodin has more than 35 years of experience
in alumni and corporate networking and partnerships,
mentorship, and alumni relations. He currently helps
alumni and corporate partners stay connected and involved
with UCLA and UCLA Engineering and helps engineering
students connect with alumni and corporate partners for
career opportunities.
He was previously Associate Director of Alumni Relations
at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. Prior to that,
he was Director of the Short Course Program at UCLA
Extension, where he was responsible for several hundred
courses in computer and information systems, engineering,
and technical management for customers around the world.
Dr. Goodin volunteers as an Alumni Advisor for IEEE-HKN
at UCLA, as Chief Advisor for Tau Beta Pi, Counselor for the
Society of Women Engineers, and as an Alumni Advisor for
IEEE. He has been honored to receive the Rodney D. Chipp
Memorial Award from SWE, the MacDonald Mentor Award from
TBP, and the Outstanding Branch Counselor Award from IEEE.
Dr. Goodin holds a BA in mathematics from San Jose
State University, an MS in computer science, a Ph.D. in
environmental engineering, and an MEngr in engineering
management, all from UCLA.
Why did you choose to study the
engineering field (or the field you studied)?
I was an undergraduate mathematics major, who
moved into computer science for graduate study, as that
field was expanding in the late 1960s. My interest in
computational methods and numerical analysis evolved
into computational fluid dynamics and environmental
engineering in the early 1970s, specializing in modeling
of atmospheric pollution.
What do you love about engineering?
I enjoy creative thinking and problem solving.
Whom do you admire and why?
I admire those who are experts in their fields and are
also able to teach and mentor the next generation.
How has the engineering field changed
since you entered it?
Engineers now have much easier access to current
information through the web. Also, much more
powerful computational tools for problem solving.
In what direction do you think the engineering
and other IEEE fields of interest are headed in the
next 10 years?
Artificial intelligence breakthroughs will have a dramatic
impact on all fields of engineering.
What is the most important lesson you have
learned during your time in the field?
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is an
important skill for all engineers.
What advice can you offer recent graduates
entering the field?
Practice your writing and presentation skills.
Seek opportunities to go beyond what is required.
What is your favorite Eta Kappa Nu memory?
I was initiated along with (HKN Eminent Member)
Dr. Asad M. Madni in a special ceremony chaired by
Professor Alan N. Willson, Jr., (IEEE-HKN Distinguished
Service Award recipient and Iota Gamma founding
advisor, 1984-2017). Prof. Willson has retired from
UCLA, but I still see Dr. Madni frequently.
Why do you support IEEE-HKN?
I am honored to be a member of IEEE-HKN and believe
in supporting organizations that provide so many
educational and professional benefits to their members.
What are the greatest opportunities
for IEEE-HKN over the next three years?
I hope that IEEE-HKN will use its influence and technical
expertise to help fight climate change.
UCLA Chapter officers and OCA plaques
THE BRIDGE
The Bridge - Issue 1, 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Bridge - Issue 1, 2022
