As a chemical engineering student and student athlete, Thomas Howlett's story showcases MOBILITY. His strong work ethic paired with resources like the Tilga internship program are setting him up for a bright future in renewable energy.
SUMMARY
Hook: Balancing the demands of being a chemical engineering student and student athlete takes serious dedication—and Thomas Howlett is rising to the challenge.
Goal: earn B.A. and MS in engineering and career in renewable energy
Activities: Division I soccer
Scholarship: Tilga grant program
STRATEGY
Thomas Howlett’s drive and determination to balance life as a chemical engineering major and student athlete is admirable. Thanks to UC Riverside’s athletics and engineering department, he is making steady strides towards a future in renewable energy.
NARRATIVE
From Soccer Fields to the Field of Renewable Energy
When Thomas Howlett isn’t training on the soccer field, he’s likely in the library working on complex equations. Juggling the demands of being a chemical engineering student and student athlete is no small feat – but with strong time management skills and support from UC Riverside, Thomas is charting his own path to success.
Thomas's interest in math and science naturally sparked a love for engineering. At UCR, he has the unique opportunity to play Division I soccer while earning an engineering degree. After completing his undergraduate education, Thomas plans on attending Johns Hopkins University to pursue a master’s degree in engineering management.
As a student athlete, Thomas’s busy schedule made it challenging to participate in year-round internships. When an opportunity with SoCal Gas came along, he hesitated, unsure if he could afford it. The summer internship required him to drive thousands of miles over the course of several weeks for various tasks. But thanks to the Tilga grant program, which helps students access professional internships, Thomas was able to cover expenses like travel and protective workwear. He credits the experience as a key reason why he stood out in his master’s program applications.
SOUND BITES
Chasing goals on the field and in the classroom
Impactful support fuels engineering student’s success
Thomas Howlett understands the value of having a team backing you up when you’re pursuing your goals. At UC Riverside, he has the support of the athletics and engineering departments, allowing him to balance playing Division I soccer while earning a degree in chemical engineering.
When Thomas Howlett thought he couldn’t afford a summer internship with SoCal Gas, the Tilga grant program, which funds internship opportunities for students, helped him cover travel and workwear expenses. This experience has opened doors for Thomas, such as additional internships and an acceptance to Johns Hopkins University to pursue his master’s degree in engineering management.
SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn and Facebook:
Thomas Howlett is a student athlete playing Division I soccer while majoring in chemical engineering. His goal is to pursue a career in renewable energy and create sustainable solutions for future generations. Thomas has interned with SoCal Gas and has been accepted into the engineering management master’s program at Johns Hopkins University.
Instagram:
Whether he’s on the field or in the classroom, Thomas Howlett, a student athlete and chemical engineering student, is passionate about his goals. Thomas aims to pursue a career in renewable energy and develop innovative solutions to create a better world for future generations. Thanks to UCR’s support, he has been accepted into the engineering master’s program at John Hopkins University.
Suggested hashtags: #UCRiverside #UCR #BCOE #chemicalengineering #studentathlete #ucrsoccer #tilgaprogram #boldheartsbrilliantminds
AVAILABLE ASSETS
SUGGESTED USES
BCOE-related print and/or digital materials: student recruitment (newsletters, brochures, proposals, etc.)
BCOE-related events: sharing student stories
Athletics-related print and/or digital materials; athletics fundraising
Print or digital advertising: recruiting prospective students during application season