Geoffrey Knopf, a Biola University senior engineering physics major, was recently inaugurated into University of Southern California’s (USC) Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society, an honor given to exemplary electrical engineering students.

The USC Honors Society inducts top students from various universities around the globe.They look for individuals with strong academics, character, and leadership skills who they foresee contributing in significant ways to the field of electrical or computer engineering.

“Being inducted into HKN means that my peers at USC have recognized the above qualities in me,” said Knopf. “I believe that it will help further my education by connecting me with other students who are very motivated to make an impact in the field of electrical and computer engineering. Hopefully, I will be able to collaborate with some of them in the future.”

Eta Kappa Nu is an electrical engineering honor society at USC for students as well as faculty and practicing engineers. Knopf will graduate in May with two undergraduate degrees in engineering physics and computer science, and two minor degrees in mathematics and biblical studies from Biola as well as partial fulfillment of an accelerated master’s degree in computer science from USC.

Knopf did not always see himself pursuing engineering.

“When I was young, one of the initial signs that I might become an engineer was my attraction to building complicated things out of Legos,” said Knopf. “When I realized how fun designing things was, I convinced myself that I wanted to be an architecture major. That was before I learned about the joys of programming.”

Once he learned how to write software by building websites, Knopf was on track to becoming a computer science major.

“I was amazed by the orderly, mathematical design of the universe,” said Knopf. “I was so sure I wanted to study computer science. Just when I thought I would have to choose between two loves, I discovered that Biola has a 3/2 engineering program.”

The first three years of Biola’s engineering physics program includes studying physics, chemistry, mathematics, biblical studies and the liberal arts from a Christian worldview. After three years, students in the program receive a B.S. in physical science and complete two more years at USC’s engineering program or an alternative accredited engineering school completing requirements for a master’s degree in the field of engineering chosen by the student.

The members of Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) also become members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, pronounced "Eye-triple-E," the world’s largest technical association.

In addition, Knopf was recently nominated into Biola’s Honors Society which inducts up to 7 percent of the baccalaureate graduating class.

Knopf became more interested in engineering while in high school where he took classes at Biola Youth Academics, the university’s homeschool program.

Joseph Tiongson, Knopf’s Biola Youth Academics physics instructor, always saw greatness in Knopf when he had him as a student during his high school years.

“There would be occasions during lecture where he would bring up a new thought. Instead of dismissing it, I would entertain it,” said Tiongson. “I believed his thoughts were valid and worth the time. I am just glad that somebody else was able to recognize that.”

Knopf recently accepted a position as Embedded Systems Software Engineer with Raytheon.

Knopf will join hundreds of alumni who studied science at Biola and be part of the future family of the new School of Science, Technology and Health, which will open Fall 2016. The Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health, a 91,200 square-foot building which is slated to open in 2018, will be home to the new school and will provide 30 laboratories, three classrooms, research spaces, faculty offices, a rooftop observatory and all new, cutting-edge technology.

Written by Marissa Ray, Public Relations Intern. For more information contact Jenna Loumagne at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.