Eva Kenny soon will be one step closer to her bucket list job: fabricating and installing the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

After graduation from UConn’s entertainment engineering program in the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute, Kenny says she plans to continue her work as a scenic fabricator and draftsperson, which will give her the technical design, construction, welding, rigging, and painting skills she’ll need later in her career.

Then one day, the Super Bowl of her career literally will be the Super Bowl.

Why did you choose UConn?

My decision to choose UConn was substantially accredited to UConn’s unique entertainment engineering program. I was introduced to the program during my first tour of the campus and was immediately drawn to it.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

I am pursing a degree in Design & Tech with a focus in technical direction, supplemented by a minor in entertainment engineering. During my first semester, originally declared as a mechanical engineering major, I learned more about the entertainment engineering program from a presentation by Ed Weingart. Thenceforth, I unquestionably had to be involved in the program. I had also realized that, for me, the most intriguing aspects of engineering were hands-on invention, problem solving, and creative design. I discovered the Design & Tech program, which would allow me to do more practicum work and explore different areas of entertainment production.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

Fortunately, this is a tough question. During my college career, I’ve had the opportunity to take on many fulfilling projects and work with talented and skillful instructors. My favorite classes would be Stagecraft with David Ash, Production Drafting with Michael Beschta, Drawing & Painting Techniques with Daniela Weiser, Scene Construction with John Parmelee, Rigging and Electricity & Electronics with Ed Weingart, and a couple philosophy classes. My favorite projects combined artistic and engineering components, and I really loved the ones I could see all the way through from conception and drafting to construction and finishing.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I bounced around a lot trying out different clubs and organizations at UConn. One of the most memorable was volunteering with Project Hope, in which we would help out at a temporary housing shelter. Another favorite activity was acting with the Dramatic PAWS (Producing, Acting, Writing, Students) club and making digital drawings with SciArt.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I was thrilled to meet all of the campus dogs, including the officer dogs, therapy dogs, and Canine Companion pups. The makerspaces and skill-share events that allowed me to learn so many techniques and equipment that I wouldn’t have access to otherwise was another unexpected benefit. Also, the food is really good! The cooks do wonderful work; I often miss the dining halls when I’m on break.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

Throughout my college career, I have been able to work with numerous companies during academic breaks, and I plan to continue building my skillset and trying different paths within my field. My next step after graduation is working as a scenic fabricator and draftsperson and taking on positions that allow me to do technical design, construct, weld, rig, and paint. My bucket list job is to fabricate and install the half-time show for the Super Bowl.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

Co-director of the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute (amongst other titles), Ed Weingart, has been integral in my career success throughout college. He has connected me with professionals and alumni that have provided feedback for my résumé and application materials, given industry insight, and helped with interview prep. I discovered the company I interned with last summer through an introduction made by him to the company’s project manager. In my field of theater and entertainment, résumés are formatted in a unique way. It can be difficult to get feedback from general career advisors, because most of them have not encountered a theater résumé. Ed Weingart has been paramount in guiding the first iterations of my résumé and reviewing updates I make to it as I further my career.

Any advice for incoming students?

To incoming students, or really students at any stage, dip your toe into anything you’re interested in. You don’t have to throw yourself in full force, feel free to test things out while sticking to your main focus, and be open to that focus changing or expanding. Freshman year is an exciting but challenging time, it’s not unexpected for it to be the hardest year before you hit your stride. Definitely do an internship or some work over the summer, you learn so much in those few months that significantly expands upon your educational foundation. Work experience in the field is incredibly important to hiring managers. Last piece of advice: Do yourself a service and ask questions.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Pick up a new skill at the IZone! Take advantage of the equipment on campus. Also make sure to apply for a U-Pass and take a bus to local events or take a train (most of the way) into a city.