Paul Chanley, Program Coordinator of Engineering Science and Electronic Technology

Professor Paul Chanley is the heartbeat of the NECC Engineering Program, which, with close to 300 students, is one of the college’s largest and fastest growing programs. In addition to preparing students for transfer to four-year schools and high-demand engineering careers, he builds community connections, teaching onsite courses at Raytheon, securing student scholarships from local employers such as RM Technologies of Lawrence and Leewood Manufacturing of Haverhill, and creating internship opportunities for students at UMass Lowell, Northeastern University, and with area employers.

Profession: Program Coordinator of Engineering Science and Electronic Technology

Hobbies: Gardening, swimming, listening to jazz and rock & roll, studying
American history, analyzing stock market/investments, watching baseball

Last book read: Falling Short – The Coming Retirement Crisis, by Ellis,
Munnell & Eschtruth

Favorite quote: “Do or do not. There is no try.”— Yoda

Profile: Raised near Boston in a large Italian family, I excelled in athletics,
math, and science. I lettered in high school sports and received engineering
degrees at Northeastern University, (Bachelor of Science in Electrical
Engineering) and UMass Lowell, (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering).

Engineering in the business world was my first career. I took on responsibilities
as a program manager of engineering projects and product lines before becoming a professor.

I’m raising two teenagers with my loving wife. I enjoy spending time at home
especially in our yard, travelling on family vacations, watching the activities my children are involved in, and attending shows or visiting museums.

Why I do what I do: Engineers create things that never were…that’s an exciting
vocation. Engineering integrates areas of academics including mathematics and
science while requiring creativity and communications. It’s a dynamic profession in which engineering students are part of technology advancement, how it’s used today and tomorrow. They interact with people from varied disciplines of industry and academia.

I believe in life-long learning and bringing fresh ideas and innovation to others.
Teaching is a wonderful experience, especially when the class is engaged and focused on solving the problem at hand. More important, it’s exhilarating to work with students being part of helping them pursue their dreams.