Avery Davis

Accelerated Master’s Degree in Technology Management
at Indiana State University

Avery Davis believes every project is an opportunity to experiment, no matter how big or small. This mindset has allowed the Terre Haute native to “play around” with automotive and manufacturing technologies in his accelerated master’s degree in technology management, with the intention to graduate in December 2023. Prior to completing the master’s program, he earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology, with a minor in manufacturing, at Indiana State.

“I’ve always liked working with engines and making things – ever since I was a kid. Automotive engineering technology was the perfect fit for what I wanted as an engineer,” Davis remarks. Growing up in Terre Haute, the Sycamore knew Indiana State was the right choice for his college studies. “I didn’t know any other Indiana college that offered the exact program I wanted. Indiana State has the hands-on education in automotive systems that I wanted for my future.”

Students in the accelerated master’s of technology management program build upon engineering and technical skills obtained in their bachelor’s degree in order to lead teams, manage projects, communicate challenges, and manage various technical systems. The bachelor’s and master’s degrees are completed in a total of five years, thanks to accelerated coursework. This saved Davis the extra year it would have taken him to complete his master’s degree separately.

“I was able to take classes during my senior year, so I was already halfway done with my master’s degree by the time I graduated from the bachelor’s program. It was worth it to take the extra classes this year and go the extra mile so I can advance my career even more in technology management,” he explains.

For Davis, courses in the accelerated technology management program offered everything he wanted while contemplating his future career managing engineering teams. This included courses in engineering design and management, statistics for engineering and technology, research methods in engineering, technology and supervision, and economic analysis in engineering and technology. Each class supported Davis’s lifelong interest in machinery and automotive technologies.

“If you don’t enjoy your courses, you won’t enjoy your major. It’s important to find the right major so you can enjoy your courses, so you will then enjoy your future career,” Davis explains.

Davis is not worried about not enjoying his career as an engineer. He has prepared for exciting possible careers in automotive engineering, manufacturing engineering, and engineering management. In the accelerated master’s program, he completed his major project studying the effectiveness of end mill coatings in production computer numerical control [CNC] machining, as well as other projects focused on engine dynamometer testing. Growing up with a passion for engines and other machinery, Davis found that these projects suited his interests in varying engineering disciplines.

“My professors gave me real-life examples and projects, so I could understand what it’s like to be an engineer. They didn’t cut corners. They showed me exactly what to expect as an engineer, and this will stay with me as I begin my career,” Davis remarks.

The Sycamore’s internship experiences also broadened his perspective on engineering and the opportunities waiting for him after graduation. During his education, Davis interned at North American Lighting, Inc., in Paris, Illinois, where he helped oversee the development and production of headlights for various clients. Acting as a liaison between different engineering departments, Davis gained skills in project management, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and testing engineering. The internship showed him, in a real way, what engineers do on a daily basis.

“As I worked, I realized this is what it’s going to be like when I graduate and begin my career. I was ready to learn more,” he says.

With graduation right around the corner, Davis is more than prepared for the next step in his career. And he knows what he will miss most about Indiana State: the community. Davis found every opportunity to enjoy a well-rounded Sycamore experience. This has included serving as head drum major of Indiana State’s marching band, the Marching Sycamores; competing as a member of Indiana State’s Team Sycamore Racing, a student drag racing team where students manage and drive the University’s dragsters at area raceways; serving as president of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity; and participating in other student organizations.

(Photo: teamsycamoreracing/Instagram)

“The student experiences outside the classroom added more to my education at Indiana State. I learned valuable lessons from working as a team on projects and being a leader in multiple student organizations. I felt like I was part of a community,” Davis reflects.

From racing toward a finish line to marching to the beat of his own drum and leading teams to success, Davis has developed the passion and drive to help others understand his vision as an engineer. Because innovative engineering begins with BLUE!