Stacie Hiratsuka

Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.

Major: Electrical engineering. Class of 2008.

Background: Transferred from Sacramento City College in the fall. Has been a math and reading tutor for Sacramento City Unified School District elementary school students since she was in middle school. In 2003 interned in California State Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson’s press office. Currently volunteers for the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church. Is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Highlight: “The highlight of my education at Sac State has been the hands-on learning environment provided by the faculty. After talking to friends from other schools, I realize that the professors here make themselves especially available to students. If I ever have questions I know that I can always go to my professors for help.”

Changes: “The people at Sac State have really helped me grow more independent and to step out of my limited comfort zone. I have had the opportunity to meet new people and become more outgoing.”

Proudest Moment: Making the College of Engineering and Computer Science dean’s list.

Destination: Plans to apply her electrical engineering degree toward medical innovation and research. “My mom had breast cancer, and since then I have wanted to do something related to the medical field. I’d like to use my technological background to influence medicine.”