Mechanical engineering grad excelled in supporting his peers

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates. 

Eric Mannix’s desire to help others has been clear throughout his time at Arizona State University. From selecting his major to his extracurricular activities, Mannix’s proclivity for leadership and problem-solving led him to not only excel in mechanical engineering, but to support others along the way.

Math and science had always been easy for Mannix, so when his brother suggested engineering as a major, he decided to give it a shot.

“I had the plan that if I did not like the first engineering class, MAE 212: Mechanics and Dynamics, then I would change my major,” Mannix said. “But I had the best teacher. And even though the class was tough, I enjoyed it every single day.”

Mannix enjoyed the classes not only for the challenges they brought, but also because of the impact engineering makes in people’s everyday lives.

“There is no argument that engineering is going to change the world,” Mannix said. “Engineering offers the problem solving that the world needs to move toward the future.”

While studying in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Mannix has supported his peers by offering tutoring assistance. He says some of the most rewarding moments of his undergraduate experience have come from running into students on campus who tell him he is the reason they’re now getting an A in an engineering class.

Along with technical help, Mannix also offers encouragement to students who may find the demands of engineering particularly challenging.

“It is ok to fail. It is not the end of the world if you fail a test,” he says. “As long as you are able to bounce back and give your best work effort you will be fine in the future.”

During his freshman and sophomore year, Mannix was active in the Residence Hall Association, serving as vice president of Palo Verde East, the former residential community for Fulton Schools students, as president of the Engineering Residential Community, and as the director of Leadership Development. He also held leadership positions in Gameineers and Anime Weekly!, where he helped bring students together to meet friends with similar interests.

Mannix’s efforts earned him a scholarship from the Leadership Scholarship Program and helped him receive a “Rising Star” award from the Residence Hall Association.

After graduation, Mannix is participating in the 4+1 program to study materials science and engineering and he plans to one day work as a design or manufacturing engineer.

“Manufacturing is the closest between engineering and the actual consumers,” he said. “I want to help out with day-to-day life for everyone and I think working at a manufacturing plant will help that.”