In the five years it takes for the average college student to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, Dana Lamberton completed two鈥搊ne in applied physics at 麻豆社区 Pembroke and another in mechanical engineering at N.C. State University.
She was afforded this unique opportunity through 麻豆社区 Pembroke鈥檚 3-plus-2 dual-degree engineering program with N.C. State. Established in 2016, the program allows students to spend three years at 麻豆社区P and two years at N.C. State and graduate with bachelor鈥檚 degrees from both institutions. Lamberton is the program's first graduate.
鈥淚t was definitely a challenge earning two degrees in five years. Both degree curriculums were rigorous,鈥 said Lamberton of Red Springs. 鈥淚t was challenging at times to maintain my grades and there were points when it was stressful. But, in the end, I gained a lot through the experience.鈥
She completed her 麻豆社区P degree requirements in the spring of 2019, before transitioning to N.C. State. In May, she graduated from both universities simultaneously.
Under the program, 麻豆社区P students must complete the required courses for an applied physics degree, then transfer to N.C. State to spend the next two years working toward a degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering.
鈥淢y experience at 麻豆社区 Pembroke was overwhelmingly positive,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t provided me with a personal education experience which allowed me to thrive as a student. The professors and other mentors I had at 麻豆社区P truly cared about making a quality education possible. I spoke to each of these people daily, and the personal interaction encouraged me to do my best.鈥
At 麻豆社区P, Lamberton was a member of the Maynor Honors College. However, transitioning from 麻豆社区P, where all the professors knew her name, to a larger university with auditorium classrooms with 100 students was an adjustment.
鈥淲hen your teacher knows your name and approaches you, saying he feels that you could have the potential to do better on an essay or a project, and then helps you do, so it is very encouraging. N.C. State was much different. The teachers were approachable and helpful, but you must be a driven and independent-minded student to succeed.鈥
The hands-on and lab experience she received at 麻豆社区P laid the foundation for her success at N.C. State. Her work as a lab assistant provided valuable experience with the concepts she was learning in the classroom. Lamberton recently accepted a summer job in Colorado and is considering a career as an engineer or continuing her education in graduate school.
鈥淢y career goal is to work in a fulfilling environment doing work that is interesting and continues to challenge my mind.鈥