Dannalee Mata

Audio Engineering Technology (SOET)

What made you decide to choose your specific major?

Purdue had the right mix of technical classes for my interests and learning style. A lot of audio programs at other universities mostly focused on music production, but I wanted a program that would help me to develop my circuitry knowledge so that I could apply it in the field of audio.

What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?

I love how specialized the courses are in the Polytechnic, and the Electrical Engineering Technology Program in particular has many different technical electives. I’ve taken courses in Radio Frequency, Audio Electronics, and Analog Applications. I have other friends in the Electrical Engineering Technology Program who have taken courses such as Computer Vision or Advanced Embedded Digital Systems, and we even have Electric Vehicle courses. 

What has been one of your favorite class projects?

My favorite class project was in ECET318. We learned all about how to make audio amplifiers and filters, and the final project was to put all our knowledge together to make a section of a mixing console! It is extremely satisfying to work towards creating an entire system. You develop lots of parts to a project that all fit together, and at the very end, the biggest reward is getting to play music through the circuit and hear it amplified! 

What other activities are you involved in on campus?

I have been the Resident Assistant for the Women in Technology Learning Community for the past 3 years! It’s such an incredible experience getting to mentor future engineers, cyber security specialists, and technology professionals. As for fun clubs, I am part of our Radio Club, which is a great experience. I was also part of Purdue Bands for two years and did a short research project through an independent study. However, getting to know the Latino Cultural Center is actually what made my transition to Purdue so much smoother. I recommend all freshmen to take some time to find a home away from home, whether that be through a club or a cultural center.

What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?

Don’t be afraid to double major! I was always scared of adding a double major to my work load, but double majors in the Electrical Engineering Technology Program are possible if you work with your advisor and spread out the additional classes. Depending on the EET major you want to double major with (Say like Audio and Electrical or Audio and Computer) it would only be a few additional courses. 

What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?

Find a group of people to study with! It makes difficult courses more fun and manageable. It’s great to get to know people in your major because the Polytechnic is small enough that you’ll likely have several semesters of classes with the same group of students. Take advantage of that and make a solid group of friends.  

Have questions? Email me at mata8@purdue.edu