Martin Irvine, Jr., '97

How Virginia Tech equipped me for the ‘real world’...

Virginia Tech equipped me for the ‘real world’ through lessons both inside and outside the classroom. In the classroom, I was given the solid foundation in the fundamentals and theory of engineering. Maybe even more important, at Virginia Tech I learned how to apply those theories and fundamentals to any real world problem. Outside the classroom, Virginia Tech taught me how to be part of a community, the spirit of Ut Prosim, and you are forever a Hokie.  

Fondest memories of AOE…

My fondest memories of AOE were the SNAME Student Section road trip to New York City for the annual SNAME convention, the Towing Tank and Claytor Lake Ocean Engineering Labs, hanging in the design lab, and the connections I made with my professors and peers. Most importantly, I met my Aerospace Engineer wife in AOE!

Favorite Virginia Tech tradition...

My favorite Virginia Tech tradition is the firing of Skipper, the Corps of Cadets’ cannon, at football games. It always reminds me of the origin of Skipper with Homer Hickam and Alton Harper engineering a cannon to one up VMI. It reminds me of what motivated people can do when they work together and inspire each other to success. Also, who doesn’t love that big bang before the game and after touchdowns?!?!

Who inspired you to become an engineer…

A collective of people inspired me to become an engineer. That collective was NASA and the space shuttle Columbia. I was excited at the thought of flying through space on a space shuttle. I wanted to be someone who would invent and design such amazing feats of technology.

Faculty member who made the biggest impact on me…

The faculty member who had the biggest impact on me was Dr. Owen Hughes. He was a brilliant and humble man who always found a way to help his students work through complex structural theory when we just weren’t getting it. He was patient, passionate, and inspiring. I try and emulate his qualities, and remember to be patient and help people.

I stay connected with other Hokies by…

I am fortunate to work in a community with a lot of Virginia Tech graduates. I have daily interaction with Hokies. Monday morning quarterbacking the Tech game from the previous Saturday is a ritual. I enjoy following various Virginia Tech accounts on Twitter from academics to athletics. It is a great way to see all the great things Hokies are doing in Blacksburg and beyond.

Project I’m currently working on / most excited about…

I am currently leading the AUKUS Undersea Advanced Capabilities Working Group for the United States. AUKUS is a trilateral collaboration effort between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia focused on submarines and other technologies. This is an exciting effort, working with our partner nations on sharing technologies and capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It is a great opportunity to make a global impact, leveraging the strengths of each of our countries.

In 2022, my greatest challenges as a leader…

My greatest leadership challenge in 2022 is balancing the tactical problems of today with strategic challenges of tomorrow. There is a healthy tension between today’s needs and making the right investments for the future. Finding the right balance is key for all executives to successfully lead their organizations.  

In my 20+ years as a civilian working for the US Navy…

I have had the opportunity to live Ut Prosim and put it into action every day. It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside the men and women of the U.S. Navy. I have been able to work with world renowned scientists, travel the world, learn and be challenged every day, and make a positive impact on the security of our nation and the world. It is incredibly rewarding to work for an organization with our mission and global impact.         

I give back to my community by...

Professionally I give back by mentoring others and engaging in professional societies. I will volunteer my time to help out special project efforts as well. I have benefitted from great mentors and peers throughout my career so I believe in the importance of paying that forward. Personally I give back in my community through different opportunities including Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Rise Against Hunger and local food banks, and my local SPCA.

Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student...

Take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to you at Virginia Tech both inside and outside the classroom. Those experiences will shape you and your career. Virginia Tech curricula will challenge you. Hang in there and persevere. The payoff will be worth it. Virginia Tech graduates are well-respected throughout the world. Your Hokie network will forever support you!