Advanced Energy Welcomes Tristen Barron as a Motors and Drives Co-op

Advanced Energy is excited to welcome Tristen Barron as a motors and drives co-op through NC State University’s Cooperative Education Program. Tristen was born in Charlotte and lived in South Carolina and Arkansas before heading to Raleigh to attend NC State. A rising junior, he is studying electrical engineering and hopes to tack on computer engineering as well.

Tristen first became interested in engineering in middle school, when he watched a blacksmith working at the Biltmore. This interest solidified after learning about different inventors and then pursuing an engineering path in high school. Courses in electronics focused his curiosity on electrical engineering. When he started exploring co-op opportunities at NC State, Advanced Energy seemed like a great fit, aligning well with his desire to increase his knowledge of energy efficiency.

Tristen joined the motor lab a few weeks ago and has been learning the ropes from fellow co-op Ethan Garrott. He is helping to handle, align, test and log motors, using software to record the relevant data. For a separate project, he is testing air compressors to see whether safety measures will kick in when the equipment gets locked or stuck. In all, Tristen will spend three rotations in the lab, gaining independence and additional responsibilities along the way.

In his spare time, Tristen likes to camp and hike with his friends. He also enjoys reading.

Through this co-op position, Tristen is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience he can use down the road, and the motors and drives team appreciates the opportunity to mentor another future engineer.