Samantha (Sam) Bower

Class of 2026

Samantha Bower. Photo courtesy of office of Global Engineering, Engagement & Research at Virginia Tech.

Sam Bower worked this summer as part of the Controls Systems Software team, who is responsible for agile development and deployment of high-integrity, safety-critical engine control system software and using a new Model Based Software Design methodology developed by Rolls Royce. Sam is leveraging aspects of software architecture and design within a model-based environment (Simulink), configuring software artefacts using a suite of tools, performing simulation and verification of designs, and testing software builds to be run on hardware in the loop rigs and customer test environments.

Hometown: Wilson, NC / Roanoke, VA
Class year: Senior
Major: electrical engineering with focus in micro/nano systems, Minor: mathematics

Tell us about the work you’ve been doing this summer, specifically the impact your team has on the overall Rolls Royce mission.

I work in controls software for the Pearl 10x project. My team works with Model-Based software which allows for faster production, with greater opportunities for testing throughout the process. Model-based software contributes to Rolls-Royce's goal of safety and reliability. I specifically worked on quality checks for the models and tests to verify the flow of data.

What has been the most exciting part of the research you’ve been doing over the last 12 weeks?

The most exciting work I have been a part of is how to script tests within the Matlab suite that will be used for the Peal 10x project as well as future engine projects. This work will make sure requirements are met and the models are created with a high standard.

What knowledge have you gained and what skills do you hope to bring back and apply to your research, design teams, etc?

Working with Matlab Simulink, I have become quite proficient in the tooling and language. I hope to use this skill in future research projects.

Are you working with any fellow Hokies?

There are two other Hokies in Derby, U.K. While I do not work directly with them, we are all in neighboring rooms/buildings on the Derby campus.

What is the most surprising thing you learned about working abroad?

At work, there was a more defined split between personal time and work time. You were not expected to respond outside of your working hours and breaks were encouraged throughout the workday. Also, pedestrians do NOT have right of way in the UK (I got honked at a lot the first week).

Outside of work, how did you spend your time in the U.K.?

I went to five countries this summer (and visited a total of 12 cities ), as well as England and Scotland. Being able to hop on a plane or train to a new place with different architecture, food, life style for a weekend was truly an amazing experience. My favorite sites being the different style castles across Europe!

How did Virginia Tech Engineering prepare you for this opportunity?

I took ENGE 1215, which had a Matlab unit where I learned the basics. Research I have done in the BME Department uses Matlab primarily. These Matlab skills allowed me to begin work smoothly and have a solid foundation to learn. I have also had many courses that require group projects as well as courses that encourage group study. These tasks have taught me how to work in a team efficiently and effectively.