I’m Julie Ellis — an engineering professor for more than 30 years, always focused on the undergraduate experience. That’s more than 60 semesters of watching students struggle, figure things out, and thrive. Before that, I was an engineering student myself, wondering sometimes what I’d gotten into.
Along the way I became convinced of some things that aren’t commonly said — but should be. Things I wish someone had told me. Things I taught my students and advisees for decades. Things I’m now putting into a book.
Thriving in Engineering School
This is my book for engineering students — and the people who care about them. A practical, illustrated workbook built around something I’m convinced of.
To really thrive in engineering school, you need to …
- Cultivate your curiosity, especially about yourself as a learner
- Learn the rules, but define your own W1
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
- W = win. Your definition of winning, not anyone else’s ↩︎
Psst. Students, something just for you —
You already have what it takes to do engineering school – that’s the juice that got you this far.
This workbook helps you figure out how to use your juice without losing it — and how to navigate the parts of engineering school that nobody warns you about.
A quiet word just for the parents here —
You want your student to thrive, not just survive.
This workbook gives them practical tools for exactly that — and gives you a window into what they’re actually navigating.
Want a preview?
Grab the free Tiny Tips PDF — five small, practical things you can try today.
You’ll also get on the list for workbook updates, stories, and resources as they develop.