- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
- Graduation Year: May 2025
- E-mail: whopper4@vols.utk.edu
Ambassador Profile
Hey future Vols!
My name is Joey Hopper and I am from Chattanooga, TN. I'm a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering with a leadership studies minor. I decided to major in mechanical engineering because I like to solve problems and knew mechanical engineering offered many opportunities.
I am a part of the Honors Leadership Program through the University and the Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program through TCE. Participating in the honors programs at UT has provided some of the best opportunities and experiences here. I met some of my best friends in the honors Learning and Living Community (LLC). The LLCs are great because the housing for the LLCs are some of the best on-campus. They also provide a group of people who are focused on the same thing and can use each other as resources. The University offers an LLC for engineering called the Engage LLC. This is based in Geier Hall and exclusively holds a floor of engineering students.
Outside of school, I am involved on-campus in a few different organizations. I have a research job polishing and analyzing carbon fiber samples at the UT Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. I am on the Campus Events Board organizing events around campus. I am also on the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team at Pellissippi State Community College. The Formula SAE team builds a car from the ground up, then races it at an annual competition that judges for acceleration, endurance, and an autocross time trial. One of the best parts about going to UT is the number of opportunities outside of classes. There are clubs across campus for everyone, from 3D printing to sailing. Getting involved around campus is a great way to meet people and learn about something you are interested in.
The University of Tennessee will always be the place for me and I would love to see you here!
