From Backpacking to Research: Campbell Depken ’26 Navigates ECE with Passion and Purpose

Campbell Depken ’26 balances research, mentorship, and a love for the outdoors as she explores her path to graduate school in electrical and computer engineering.

Campbell Depken, a junior at NC State ECE, is deeply involved in the university community through her roles as an ECE Ambassador and her work in the University Libraries’ maker space at Hill Library. She is a passionate outdoor enthusiast who enjoys backpacking, rock climbing and sea kayaking. She has also studied abroad in Florence as part of her history minor.

Campbell’s journey to ECE was shaped by her involvement with the ECE Ambassadors, beginning with a memorable experience at the Engineering Open House during her senior year of high school. There, she toured the impressive labs and maker spaces and engaged with upperclassmen who were ECE Ambassadors. Inspired by their enthusiasm, she joined the ECE Ambassadors at NC State, eager to give back to the next generation of students. “One of my favorite events as a freshman was Puppy Day,” she shares. “It’s a semiannual event hosted by ECE Ambassadors where puppies come to campus to help students de-stress before exams.”

“As someone who loves dogs, it was heaven for me.”

Beyond her role as an ECE Ambassador, Campbell has gained valuable research experience. This past summer, she participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering Sciences (SURE) program at Georgia Tech. As a research assistant with the Georgia Tech Low Frequency Radio group, she studied how low-frequency radio signals were affected by the 2024 total solar eclipse. The research focused on the ionosphere, using low-frequency radio waves as a remote sensing tool to better understand this crucial layer of Earth’s atmosphere. “It was a phenomenal experience as a sophomore, applying skills I had learned in my classes, like MATLAB, to real-world projects,” she says.

Her exposure to research has motivated Campbell to consider graduate school, and she is currently enrolled in NC State’s Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program. This opportunity allows students to begin graduate-level coursework while still completing their undergraduate degree. “I’m currently in my first graduate-level class as a junior, which has been a great opportunity to dive deep into coursework that prepares me for grad school,” she explains.

Outside of academics, Campbell enjoys taking courses beyond her major. Through NC State’s Health and Exercise Studies program, she has taken outdoor courses like backpacking, rock climbing, and sea kayaking, which align with her love for adventure.

Additionally, she works in the Hill Library maker space, where she assists students with projects ranging from engineering prototypes to creative crafts. “I love working in the maker space because it’s a great way to learn new skills and problem-solve with others,” she says. Her experience there has taught her the importance of utilizing available resources, from instructional videos to tutorials, to tackle challenges effectively.

For incoming students, Campbell offers this advice: “You don’t have to have it all figured out. It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do, especially in ECE. There are so many opportunities, and sometimes you only figure out what you like—or don’t like—by taking a class. You have plenty of time to explore.”

As Campbell continues to balance academics, extracurriculars, and research, she looks forward to developing her skills and interests further at NC State.