- Major: Nuclear Engineering
- Hometown: Midlothian, VA
- Graduation Year: May 2024
- E-mail: tensley2@vols.utk.edu
Ambassador Profile
Hey y’all, welcome to Rocky Top!
My name is Thomas Ensley and I am a senior studying Nuclear Engineering, as well as working towards a minor in Integrated Business and Engineering.
I am from outside of Richmond, Virginia. I enjoy being outdoors as much as I can and love to hike and fly fish. It’s amazing to be this close to the Great Smoky Mountains while still being able to walk to downtown Knoxville.
Having older siblings, I had seen firsthand how many considerations go into choosing which school is going to be right for you. I had heard that you can always make a big school feel small but can’t make a small school feel big. Tennessee offers lots of opportunities for this and the Tickle College of Engineering is a great example of being a tight-knit community.
As an out of state student, I have found a “Home Sweet Home” here at Rocky Top. There are so many different opportunities to get inVOLved with on campus and in Knoxville! Personally, a few that I participate in include Cook Grand Challenge Engineering Honors Program, Engineers Without Borders, Tau Beta Pi, American Nuclear Society, Reformed University Fellowship, and a variety of intramural sports.
In addition, I am a member of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, offered by the Tickle College of Engineering and the Haslam College of Business combining these two areas of study.
Clearly, there will be lots of options for you to become engaged with the campus community! I spent this past summer in Wilmington, North Carolina working as an intern with GE’s nuclear segment. Working to launch a small modular reactor was an exciting opportunity to expand on what we cover in class.
Last summer, I had the chance to work for Southern Nuclear at a power plant and I was able to get some really great hands-on experience. UT offers exposure to a variety of internship, co-op, and research opportunities that enhance your undergraduate experience.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you might have! I hope to see you around campus – Go Vols!
