Issue #13: March 22, 2025
Ever wondered if struggles with math can be conquered and transformed into a thriving career in electrical engineering?
Follow Johnathon Street’s inspiring journey from overcoming obstacles to achieving success as an electrical engineer!
What’s Inside This Issue?
- Concepts and Terminology: Discover concepts and terminology introduced in the featured article.
- Featured Article: Join Johnathon Street as he shares how overcoming math struggles led him to an exciting career in electrical engineering.
- About the Interviewee: Learn how Johnathon Street’s compassion, hard work, and passion for learning shaped his journey.
- Hands-On Activities: This issue introduces a few affordable kits that students can purchase to start exploring electrical engineering; while, the next issue will feature hands-on activities students can try at home.
- Environmental Equity and Sustainability: Explore how electrical engineers are using innovation to create cleaner energy, smarter systems, and greener technologies for a better future for everyone.
- Setting the Stage for Your Future: Explore an electrical engineering career pathway.
- Glossary: Recap key concepts and terminology from the featured article.
1. Concepts and Terminology
- Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical devices, circuits, and systems. Results range from smartphone circuits to power grids. They use electricity and electronics to make technology work.
- The Professional Engineer (PE) license is an additional optional certificate which states that an engineer has met rigorous standards of education, experience, and exams. It signifies their ability to take responsibility for public safety-related engineering projects.
2. Featured Article
From Struggling with Math to Becoming an Electrical Engineer:
Johnathon Street’s Inspiring Journey
By Sik Lee Dennig, PhD
Interviewed by Paul Dennig Sr., PhD, and Sik Lee Dennig, PhD
Introduction: A Transformation Through Perseverance
Meet Johnathon Street, a licensed professional engineer whose story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Throughout junior high into high school, he struggled academically with mathematics and science. From a young age, Johnathon enjoyed writing and reading fiction novels; however, his struggles in mathematics weighed heavily on his confidence as a student. Further, Johnathon had no idea what career path he wanted to pursue following high school. Fortunately, Johnathon’s journey isn’t defined by those early struggles. Instead, it’s a compelling narrative of transformation – overcoming obstacles, rekindling a passion for learning, and ultimately, mastering the very subject that once intimidated him.
Johnathon’s path from academic challenges to professional engineering serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing daunting academic hurdles. His experience highlights that for students aspiring to enter STEM fields, determination, curiosity, and hard work can transform daunting challenges into opportunities for success, proving that achievement is driven not by where you start, but by your persistence in moving forward.
The Math Maze: Navigating Junior High and High School
Before junior high, Johnathon thrived. He was a voracious reader, eager to delve into advanced books. However, the transition to seventh grade brought significant changes.
Johnathon recalled, “Seventh grade came around, and that’s when things changed. I don’t know if it was just more freedom, if it was because we were hitting that age where our bodies were changing, or if they expected you to be a little more organized at that time because we went from having one teacher to having seven.”
This sudden shift in structure made it difficult for him to keep pace in math. “It was hard (for me) to focus on one person and give them all your attention,” he explained. “If something distracts you, you lose track, and before you know it, the teacher has moved on. If you don’t ask questions—and a lot of kids don’t—you fall behind, lose motivation, and struggle to catch up.”
Despite a teacher recognizing his potential for advanced math, Johnathon didn’t feel confident in his abilities, especially since he was earning C’s in his math classes. High school only exacerbated the problem. “I took Algebra 1 in my 10th grade year and ended up passing it. I took Geometry and failed it.”
His struggles were met with indifference from the school system. “Students who were struggling with math were put in a business math class,” he said. The school’s attitude was, ‘Hey you need a math class to pass. Just take this class.’ We would literally copy each other in front of the teacher and he didn’t care. I think the expectation was, you know, these guys aren’t going to Stanford University. They’re probably gonna stay around town, so they didn’t really care.”
At the time, Johnathon had little motivation beyond spending time with friends. “I didn’t really have a vision for the future,” he admitted. “I had no understanding of life after school. Then you graduate, and reality sets in.”
The reality check was swift. “I was working two jobs at the time, trying to pay rent. When reality hits and you have bills to pay, you really wish you had paid attention in school.”
Self-Driven Learning: Mastering Math on His Own Terms
Despite his early struggles with math, Johnathon’s natural curiosity about how things work would eventually propel him forward. “I could have things if I applied myself. I’m capable of applying myself, and I’ve always been like a very curious child. I would get very obsessed with things and everything was about that thing, and that’s kind of what happened with math. I want to learn how this thing works.” With renewed determination, Johnathon began studying algebra independently, not yet with engineering in mind, but simply to understand math better.
Johnathon’s self-study was not without challenges. “Math is not easy, and there is a level of perseverance needed to push through it. There were times where I would stay on a subject for an entire day. I would have 10 practice problems and I’m just not understanding them, so I would work on them for six hours straight. Then I’d move on to the next subject, and later, whatever it was, it built on the previous subject in a different way, and then it was like a light bulb went off. I’d go back to the previous material that I was really struggling with, and I’d just breeze through it.”
Johnathon aimed to place directly into calculus in college, bypassing algebra and trigonometry. “I set the goal for myself that I was going to get into calculus without going to school. I don’t want to spend my time learning algebra in college,” he explained. He turned to online resources like Thinkwell programs, which are video courses that allowed him to learn at his own pace. “The reason why those programs were so successful for me is because if I lost my focus for a second, I could rewind the video. I could go at my own pace, so I got so interested in it I was able to spend a lot of time on it.”
His efforts paid off. By working through college algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus content, he proved to himself that he could master complex subjects. When he tested into calculus at his college, he knew his self-study had prepared him for the next step.
Choosing Electrical Engineering: From Self-Study to a College Major
By college, Johnathon had developed a deep appreciation for the process of discovery and constantly sought new challenges in math. He explained that in calculus, “You know, as you’re learning about derivatives, it’s like, ‘Oh, look at these cool things!’ But then you figure them out, and the magic is gone. Okay, now I know how this works—time to move on to the next challenge. You need a new challenge. So then it’s like, ‘How does a double integral work?’ or whatever. You figure it out, the magic fades, and then you move on to another topic. Control systems, a math-intensive topic in engineering, was one of my favorite topics, so I studied it a lot. I wanted to do aircraft controls.”
As his love for math grew, Johnathon began thinking seriously about how he could apply it to a career. “I was already looking up, like, what majors can I use math with? And so then, it all stemmed from that love of math. And I was like, ‘Oh, engineering uses a lot of math—okay, I want to be an engineer.'” That realization ultimately led him to electrical engineering (EE), where he could combine his passion for math with his curiosity about how things work.
Pursuing Professional Licenses: Advancing in the Field
Johnathon’s academic achievements laid the groundwork for his professional success, but Johnathon didn’t stop there. To advance his career, he pursued professional licenses that would give him the expertise and authority to manage complex projects while meeting industry standards. He earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license, a prestigious credential that allows engineers to oversee projects and approve completed work, especially where the decisions may impact potentially hazardous situations or life-affirming engineering designs.
The path to becoming a PE required rigorous testing and years of professional experience. Johnathon’s journey began with the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a crucial milestone assessing core knowledge in math, physics, and engineering principles. He passed on his first attempt, demonstrating a strong foundation in the field.
After gaining the required work experience, he set his sights on the PE exam, a more specialized and challenging test focused on electrical engineering. This exam demands a deep understanding of power systems, circuit analysis, control systems, and industry regulations. However, success didn’t come immediately—Johnathon took the PE exam twice before passing.
While preparing, he was determined to improve, so he sought out better study resources and discovered Engineering Pro Guides, which provided practice tests that closely mirrored the exam’s rigor, structure, and content. These materials proved invaluable, helping him refine his problem-solving skills and identify areas for improvement. More importantly, Johnathon shifted his mindset about mistakes.
Rather than getting discouraged, he began treating errors as learning opportunities. “I would do the problem and keep getting it wrong, and I was like, why am I getting it wrong? Oh, that’s right—it’s a stupid math mistake. I keep forgetting to put the complex conjugate (a sign error), or something like that.” Instead of dwelling on mistakes, he analyzed them: “Why did I get it wrong? Here’s why, and maybe I won’t make that mistake next time.” He even kept a list of his errors, studying them to prevent repeating them. This new approach paid off. When he retook the PE exam, he finished in just five hours—well ahead of the eight-hour time limit—and passed.
By earning both the FE and PE licenses, Johnathon set himself apart from many of his peers. These licenses gave him the authority to lead high-level projects and make crucial decisions in electrical engineering. More than just career achievements, they were proof of his perseverance, adaptability, and commitment to excellence in his field.
Applying Education to Real-World Projects: Turning Knowledge into Impact
Johnathon’s academic journey prepared him for a fulfilling career as an electrical engineer. His dedication to mastering complex subjects like calculus, along with his curiosity about how things work, helped him develop the skills necessary for his professional career. At his company, Westech, he applies his expertise in designing and implementing electrical systems across various sectors, including healthcare, commercial, and renewable energy. What he enjoys most about his work includes:
- Building What He Has Designed – Unlike engineers who only work on design, Johnathon has the opportunity to see his projects come to life in the field. This hands-on involvement allows him to refine his work, learn from real-world applications, and make necessary adjustments during construction.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – He regularly works with civil engineers and other professionals, ensuring that electrical designs integrate seamlessly into larger construction projects. This cross-disciplinary teamwork makes every project a dynamic and engaging experience.
- Interacting with Customers – Johnathon’s role also involves answering client questions and addressing concerns during the construction process. Whether it’s explaining technical details or solving unexpected challenges, he enjoys the direct engagement with customers and project stakeholders.
These are his major projects:
- A New Hospital – One of Johnathon’s first major projects was the renovation of an old hospital in Hanford, CA. The building was completely gutted, with a significant portion of the second floor removed. A new elevator was also installed. He contributed to the electrical design and oversaw its implementation.
Image Credit: Johnathon Street
- A Large Medical Complex – This project includes five buildings, featuring a surgical center and a medical office building, both still in development. One of his most significant achievements was designing the electrical system for the surgical center. He took the initiative to study National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 517, which governs healthcare facility standards, and independently developed the electrical infrastructure, which means all of the electricity-handling wiring and equipment, which in turn enables the facility to function. Successfully completing the project without external guidance marked a major milestone in his career.
The surgical center in the large medical complex (three views).
Image Credit: Johnathon Street
- A Five-Story Neuroscience Institute – This ongoing, large-scale project is a significant healthcare initiative requiring precise electrical planning. Work has already begun at the Neuroscience Institute, which is a facility to study the human nervous system, both its functions and disorders. There is still much to be done to ensure the complex meets all necessary standards and specifications.
Five-Story Neuroscience Institute Project — the Beginning
Image Credit: Johnathon Street
- The Sequoia Mall in Visalia, CA – This commercial renovation project involves upgrading the electrical systems. The image shows the section of the mall where work began, and significant progress has already been made in modernizing the facility’s power infrastructure.
Sequoia Mall Project
Image Credit: Johnathon Street
- The first commercial restaurant project: It began in 2022 and is still ongoing, now including a brewery. It remains under construction.
Restaurant Project
Image Credit: Johnathon Street
- Solar Energy System Designs – Johnathon’s company also engages in renewable energy projects, designing electrical systems for solar installations, contributing to the shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Johnathon’s journey from struggling student to accomplished professional is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-motivation, and curiosity. His story highlights that setbacks in school do not define one’s future—rather, a willingness to learn and push through challenges can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Today, his expertise contributes to major projects in healthcare, commercial development, and renewable energy, proving that success is not about where you start but how determined you are to keep moving forward.
For high school students facing their own academic struggles, Johnathon’s experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, self-learning, and the importance of long-term vision—lessons that can help them shape their own paths to success.
Lessons for High School Students: Insights for Future Success
Johnathon’s journey in electrical engineering offers valuable insights for students considering careers in STEM. His experience shows that success isn’t about being a natural genius—it’s about persistence, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
Key Takeaways
- You’re More Capable Than You Think
Math and science can feel tough at times, but with effort and consistency, you can succeed. Johnathon started with the basics and, over time, applied what he learned to real-world engineering projects. Remember, no one becomes an expert overnight—skills develop with practice and dedication. Keep going, and you’ll see progress! Sometimes the “genius” you see in other people comes because they have already put in extra study and have come down other paths that you cannot see. Just always remember that different people learn different things at different rates. Don’t feel bad about yourself if you don’t understand something right away. - Challenges Make You Stronger
Johnathon faced many struggles early on, like overcoming his difficulties with math. He spent hours solving problems on his own, and this perseverance helped him build the skills he needed. Pushing through challenges like these builds confidence and expertise that will serve you well in the future. - Curiosity Leads to Opportunities
One of Johnathon’s key strengths was his curiosity about how things work. His interest in math led him to study it on his own, diving deeper into topics that intrigued him. This self-driven curiosity helped him build a strong foundation in math, which ultimately guided his journey to electrical engineering. Students who take the initiative to explore subjects independently and seek hands-on experiences can unlock new opportunities and set themselves apart from others. - Set Goals
Success doesn’t happen by chance; it comes from setting clear goals. Johnathon set specific goals at each stage of his journey, whether mastering algebra or becoming a licensed electrical engineer. These goals kept him focused and motivated, helping him break down large tasks into manageable steps and stay on track toward his ultimate objective.
Your STEM Journey Starts Now
If you’re considering a career in STEM, take this as proof that you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room — you just need determination and a willingness to learn. Every great engineer, scientist, and innovator started as a student with questions.
Stay curious, take on challenges, and look for real-world applications of what you learn. Join a STEM club, participate in competitions, or start a project that excites you. The world needs more problem-solvers and innovators. Why not be one of them?
3. About the Interviewee
Johnathon Street is a licensed electrical engineer in California with a passion for learning. As a child, he developed a fascination with electrical and mechanical components, often taking household items apart to understand how they worked. He attended California State University, Bakersfield where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. During his time in college, he provided care to developmentally disabled adults to support himself. While caring for others, he learned the importance of compassion and hard work. Always striving to improve, Johnathon is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. In his spare time, he studies Cantonese and textbooks relevant to his field to expand his skill set. His drive to learn Cantonese led him to the Cantonese Alliance Discord server, created by Paul Dennig Jr., where Johnathon met Dr. Sik Lee Dennig.
4. Hands-on Activities
Exciting Kits to Start Your EE Journey!
Are you ready to explore the world of electrical engineering? You don’t need a fancy lab to get started! There are affordable kits you can buy online that make it easy and fun to learn about electronics and start building cool projects at home. These kits will help you understand the tech behind the gadgets we use every day. Here are a few great ones to check out:
Snap Circuits
- What’s cool about it: Snap Circuits let you create working circuits without the need to solder anything! It’s like building with puzzle pieces, but the end result is a fully functioning circuit that lights up, buzzes, or spins. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn the basics of electricity.
- Projects you can make: Flashing lights, alarms, fans, and more.
Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit
Image Credit: Snap Circuits on Amazon
Makey Makey Classic Kit
- What’s cool about it: The Makey Makey kit lets you turn everyday objects into touchpads! Using just alligator clips and a USB cable, you can connect things like bananas, playdough, or even pencil drawings to control your computer. It’s a creative, hands-on way to learn about circuits and electrical conductivity while having fun. Plus, it’s a great intro to the world of interactive technology.
- Projects you can make: Turn fruits like bananas and apples into musical instruments, create a piano out of paper or aluminum foil, and build interactive games or create your own art projects that react to touch.
First Time Hands On a Makey Makey with New Apps
Image Credit: Makey Makey
Arduino Starter Kit
- What’s cool about it: Arduino is a perfect product line for those interested in programming and building their own custom electronics. This more economical starter kit, based on the Arduino platform, provides everything you need to start programming, explore electronics, and create projects like sensors or even robots.
- Projects you can make: Temperature sensors, robotic arms, or automated systems.
ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit
Image Credit: ELEGOO UNO on Amazon
Solar-Powered Kits
- What’s cool about it: These kits teach you about renewable energy while letting you build devices powered by the sun. Whether it’s a small solar car or a small solar robot, you’ll get hands-on experience with solar technology and learn how solar power works.
- Projects you can make: Solar cars, small charging stations, and other small solar-powered devices.
Image generated on Ideogram by Sik Lee Dennig
These kits offer a fun and easy way to experiment, learn, and create electrical engineering projects at home. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, they’re a great way to explore this exciting field.
In the next issue, we’ll share some hands-on activities you can try at home to take your engineering skills to the next level! Get ready to build, experiment, and create!
5. Environmental Equity and Sustainability
Electrical engineers contribute to environmental sustainability and equity in many ways, from designing cleaner power systems to reducing energy waste. While there are countless innovations in this field, this article focuses on three key areas where electrical engineers are making the biggest impact. Stay tuned—more will be covered in the April issue!
Clean Energy for Everyone
Not everyone has access to electricity, but electrical engineers are changing that with renewable energy like solar and wind power. Instead of relying on polluting fossil fuels, communities can now get power from the sun and wind—even in remote areas!
Example: In Kenya and Peru, engineers created pay-as-you-go solar power systems that bring electricity to over a million homes that previously had none. This means students can do homework at night, families can cook safely without kerosene, and hospitals can operate more reliably.
Smart Grids = Less Waste, More Power
Have you ever experienced a power outage? Some communities, especially low-income ones, lose electricity more often than others. Electrical engineers are fixing this with smart grids, which automatically reroute power when a problem happens. This means fewer blackouts and more efficient energy use.
Example: In Chattanooga, Tennessee, engineers built a self-healing smart grid that can fix power failures in seconds—keeping homes and businesses running smoothly and reducing wasted electricity.
Electric Cars & Clean Cities
Gas-powered cars cause air pollution, which is worse in cities and often affects low-income communities the most. That’s why electrical engineers are designing electric vehicles (EVs) and creating charging stations to make them accessible for everyone.
Example: Norway has one of the best EV charging networks in the world, making it easy for people to drive clean, electric cars instead of gas-powered ones. This helps reduce pollution and fight climate change!
Why This Matters
These innovations don’t just help the environment—they also create fair opportunities for people everywhere. By improving access to clean energy, reducing power outages, and cutting pollution, electrical engineers are making the world a better, healthier place for everyone—no matter where they live.
Want to be part of the change? Maybe you could be the next electrical engineer to invent a cleaner, fairer future!
6. Setting the Stage for Your Future
Electrical engineering (EE) is an exciting field that shapes the technology we use every day. From designing circuits and systems to working with renewable energy and advanced communications, electrical engineers are behind some of the most innovative solutions in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of working on cutting-edge tech or solving real-world challenges, setting yourself up with the right courses in high school can help you get there.
Here’s a look at the key courses you should focus on in high school to prepare for pursuing a degree in electrical engineering in college.
High School Courses That Will Help You Prepare
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry)
These foundational math courses will provide the building blocks you’ll need to handle more advanced math in college. - Physics
Physics helps you understand how electrical systems work, from electrical charges and materials and devices, to basic circuits, to energy and power. It’s essential for any future electrical engineer. - Computer Science or Programming (if available)
Early experience with programming will help you later on when you need to use software tools in engineering. - Pre-Calculus
Pre-calculus prepares you for the more challenging calculus courses you’ll encounter in college and is crucial for many engineering problems.
Key Courses in an Undergraduate Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Calculus (I, II, and III)
Calculus is essential for solving engineering problems, particularly when dealing with electrical circuits and dynamic systems (in which the behavior, like voltages and currents, change with time). These courses will form the backbone of much of your later studies. - Linear Algebra
A crucial course for understanding electrical signals and systems. Linear algebra helps you solve complex equations and manage data in various applications, including designing control systems and doing network analyses. - Differential Equations
Differential equations are used to model how an electrical system’s behavior evolves over time, for example, how the electrical current flows. Applications range from small circuits to complex systems, like power generation or communications networks. - Circuit Analysis
This course focuses on analyzing and designing electrical circuits, a core skill in electrical engineering. You’ll learn how to solve for voltage, current, and resistance in both simple and complex circuits. - Electromagnetism
This subject explores the principles of electric and magnetic fields, vital for understanding a wide range of electrical devices, from motors and transformers to wireless communication systems.
These courses will challenge and inspire you, laying the groundwork for a rewarding career in electrical engineering. We list them here so you have an idea of what lies ahead. With dedication and curiosity, you’ll be well on your way to turning your passion for technology into a profession!
7. Glossary
- Circuit Analysis is the process of figuring out how electricity flows through networks of wires and components, such as resistors and capacitors and inductors. It’s used to understand and design electrical and electronic circuits.
- Clean energy comes from sources that produce very little or no pollution. Examples include solar, wind, and hydro power. It’s about powering our world with the least harm on the environment.
- Complex Conjugate is, when dealing with complex numbers, simply changing the sign of the imaginary part. It’s needed for simplifying calculations and solving equations in problems in electrical engineering and physics.
- Control Systems are designed to automatically manage and regulate the behavior of dynamic systems. These systems use feedback to keep things running smoothly and accurately, like a thermostat controlling the room temperature or a cruise control in a car keeping the speed steady.
- Derivatives in calculus describe the rate of change of a function. They help us understand how things change over time or with respect to other variables. Examples include the speed of a car or the growth of a population versus time.
- Double Integral is a way to calculate the area of a surface or the work done over a two-dimensional area. It’s used when you need to sum up values over a region, such as calculating the total force acting on a surface.
- Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical devices, circuits (meaning combinations of devices), and systems (meaning combinations of circuits), from transistors to smartphone circuits to power grids. They use electricity and electronics to make technology work.
- Power Systems are the networks that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. This includes power plants, transmission lines, and substations that bring electricity from where it’s made to where it’s used.
- The Professional Engineer (PE) license is an optional credential you can earn after getting your bachelor’s degree. It certifies that an engineer has met rigorous standards of education, experience, and exams. It signifies their ability to take responsibility for engineering projects whenever safety is concerned.
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