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Dallas College

Philip Gutierrez

“I always played with Legos and in high school, I decided I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. The good thing about Richland’s program is that it has hands-on experience you just can’t get anywhere else. 

“I love AutoCad; I’ve always thought mechanically in 3-D space, and I enjoy designing parts that come to life on the computer screen. With AutoCad, you can build whatever you want — it may be a $3,000 part and you can design it without having to build it physically. 

“Other students who have come from other programs and community colleges just don’t have anywhere near the same level of experience I’ve gotten at Richland. This program is just solid.” 

Philip Gutierrez earned an associate degree in Engineering Technology-Computer Aided Design at Richland in May 2011. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas and seek work as a draftsman/mechanical engineer.


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Sunisa “Yuki” Saeli

Sunisa “Yuki” Saeli

Computer Science student and STEM Ambassador
“Join a club or organization! That is what allowed me to explore, try new things, learn what I really like and enjoy, and what I want to do in the future.”
Computer Science
Ari Hernandez

Ari Hernandez

Electrical Engineering student and STEM Ambassador
“Some people in non-STEM majors reject the idea of being in a STEM organization because they feel they aren’t smart enough or talented enough. I’m not the smartest or most talented person in the room, but I’m curious, and that’s more than enough. Don't let your own sense of limitation stop you.”
Electrical Engineering
Mustafa Alobaidi

Mustafa Alobaidi

Senior VFX Artist
“Now that I look at it, it was the best decision I ever made. The teachers realized I had a lot of passion for it, and they taught me to understand how things work.”
Interactive Simulation and Game Technology (Game Design)
Christian Castillo

Cristian Castillo

Dallas College student Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Technology
“After being homeschooled and graduating high school with dual credit prerequisites already done, I went straight into the workforce, no intention of getting a degree. I worked in a warehouse for about a year and thought about going into welding, but I injured my back. ... At that point I decided to go for my associate degree, which I accomplished, and now I’m working to get my bachelor’s degree of applied technology in software development this fall. I love that I can do it 100% online because I also take care of my family every day.”
Computer: Programming
Philip Gutierrez
Philip Gutierrez
Transfer student and hopeful future mechanical engineer
Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences
Updated November 25, 2025