Engineering Success: Journey of Leadership and Innovation
Todd B. Gruel
A Foundation Built on Family and Curiosity
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Michael grew up in a family that valued both logic and creativity. His mother, a lawyer, and his father, a software developer, influenced his ability to think critically and embrace technology. Michael also draws inspiration from his siblings, particularly his twin brother, David. “We were inseparable as kids,” Michael recalls. “Even now, he inspires me with his dedication to studying psychology, philosophy and indigenous cultures.”
Michael’s diverse interests range from literature to coding. “I’ve read ‘Moby-Dick’ four or five times,” he says. “It’s the narrator’s perspective that captivates me. Lately, I’ve been diving into books like ‘The Inverted World’ and Haruki Murakami’s works.” Michael also enjoys honing his coding skills, experimenting with Blender for 3D modelling and even recording music onto cassette tapes — a tribute to his fondness for analogue technology and a solution to playing music in a car with a busted stereo. These hobbies reflect his enthusiasm to explore the world with an open mind.
Discovering a Path to Electrical Engineering
Although Michael didn’t have a formative inspiration that drew him to engineering earlier in his life, his visit to Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus changed everything. “I realized that engineering was the place for me,” he says. “The university’s scholarship for electrical engineering sealed the deal, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Michael’s drive to understand how electricity powers modern life keeps him motivated. “Most people know electricity comes from the wall,” he explains, “but I wanted to go deeper and study what electricity really is. The basics of electrical engineering aren’t overly complex, but their applications are limitless.”
An Education Grounded in Excellence
Michael’s dedication to academics began early, earning him recognition as a National Merit Scholar during his senior year of high school. He was also president of his school’s mock trial club, where he developed his communication and leadership skills. The momentum from these accomplishments have motivated him to dive deeply into university life, engaging in both his studies and extracurricular activities.
In Embry‑Riddle’s Electrical Engineering program, Michael has gained essential skills, mentorship and opportunities for career advancement. “Three features stood out to me,” he shares. “The small class sizes, the professors’ dedication and the hands-on labs starting in the first semester.” These aspects have allowed Michael to build meaningful relationships with faculty while gaining practical experience.
The program’s industry-standard tools, including MATLAB, OrCAD and ANSYS, have been especially foundational. Michael emphasizes the importance of circuit construction, debugging and programming skills
“Being an electrical engineer means understanding both hardware and software,” he says. “That dual knowledge is a major advantage in the industry.”
Leadership and Service
Michael’s college experience is defined by leadership and service. As the president of Embry‑Riddle’s Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student branch, he has introduced soldering workshops and guest speakers and nearly doubled the membership. “I’ve worked to encourage meaningful skills development among underclassmen,” he says. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see the club grow.”
In addition to IEEE, hold your breath, Michael has served as a tutor, lab aide, grader and resident assistant (RA). “As an RA, I directly manage about 50 students,” he explains. “I help them resolve conflicts, connect with campus resources and even recommend clubs or organizations based on their interests.” Michael’s roles as a tutor and mentor further highlight his commitment to helping others succeed. “Teaching reinforces my own knowledge and allows me to give back,” he says.
Professional Growth Through Hands-On Experience
Michael’s internships have provided him with invaluable experience in both hardware and software. During one internship, he worked on drone-based data collection and wrote thousands of lines of Python code to automate processes. Now he focuses on designing and programming high-end audio equipment at Radio Design Labs (RDL). “Working at RDL has shown me how software and hardware intersect,” he explains. “My knowledge of electronics puts me in a great position to bridge the gap between the two.”
One of his most memorable projects involved streamlining data collection processes for drones. “I transformed data from being human-interpreted to computer-analyzed,” Michael shares. “That experience not only sharpened my programming skills but also showed me the importance of efficiency in technology.”
These experiences have shaped Michael’s vision for the future. “I plan to pursue a specialized degree in electronics or signal processing,” he says. “Ultimately, I’d like to work in research and design for an energy company. Quantum computing also fascinates me. It’s the next frontier, but it comes with immense security challenges.”
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Michael’s journey offers valuable lessons for prospective students. “Don’t get hung up on setbacks,” he advises. “Everyone struggles at first, but it gets better if you use the tools and people around you.” He stresses the importance of building a support network. “Find your people and lean on them,” he says. “Also, work closely with your professors. They care deeply about your success.”
Finally, Michael encourages flexibility. “Take opportunities as they come,” he says. “If you don’t land your dream job right away, keep honing your skills and apply again. Life often takes unexpected turns, and that’s not a bad thing.”
Building a Future at Embry‑Riddle
Michael Stalford’s story illustrates the transformative power of education, curiosity and community. Through his dedication to learning, leadership and innovation, Michael embodies the core values that define Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program, housed within the Department of Computer, Electrical and Software Engineering, provides students like Michael with the tools, mentorship and hands-on experience needed to excel in the field.
For those ready to explore their passions and make a difference, Embry‑Riddle offers its students the how resources to turn dreams into reality. Discover how Embry‑Riddle can help you achieve your goals. Visit our department website, learn how to become an electrical engineer or connect with a student ambassador today.
