ECE News Spring 2012:
Chris Rehorn Succeeds at Agilent

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While pursuing his master’s degree, Chris Rehorn (EE ’04, ’06) credits his work with Associate Professor Scott Barker with leading him to his current position as a research and design engineer with Agilent Technologies.

“Working with Scott was very hands on,” said Rehorn. “We designed and built a miniature spectrum analyzer within defined size and cost constraints for our client, the U.S. Air Force. For Agilent, I’ve worked on similar projects — from designing high-speed customized application-specific integrated circuits to working on the chip set for the Agilent 90,000X oscilloscope.”

“Customers who are involved with the next generation of high-speed serial interfaces use the oscilloscope. Our products are behind a lot of the technical innovations in consumer electronics. What we’re doing is enabling our customers to design the next generation of electronics. It’s very gratifying,” said Rehorn.

Rehorn said that working at Agilent is similar to his experience at U.Va. “My thesis project with Barker was good preparation for real-world engineering, where you have deadlines and cost constraints. It gave me invaluable hands-on experience. Also there’s real intimacy with professors at SEAS, which rubbed off on me,” said Rehorn. “At Agilent I like to work with others and share ideas — I think it adds value to Agilent’s products.”

Rehorn’s work reflects an important goal of the School of Engineering and Applied Science’s Strategic Plan: preparing graduates for leadership.