University of Pittsburgh: WPTS Radio Engineering Director

WPTS is the University of Pittsburgh's student-operated radio station, and one of the major college radio stations in the United States. WPTS prides itself on platforming underrepresented and emerging artists.

After working as a member of the engineering staff for two years, I began serving as the Engineering Director in May of 2025. In this role, I oversee a variety of the station's most critical operations—ensuring that all programming sounds professional and that every staffer has the support they need to grow their engineering skills.

As Engineering Director, I am responsible for maintaining the station's technical equipment, drawing on my prior hands-on experience in audio engineering as well as coursework in circuitry and signal processing. I regularly troubleshoot complex hardware issues, plan and execute upgrades and fixes to equipment, and ensure the station remains compliant with FCC regulations.

Training and mentorship of the station's engineering staff are key aspects of my role. I lead workshops and work one-on-one with staffers to help them deepen their knowledge in areas that interest them. My ultimate goal is to equip both engineering and broader station staff with skills they can carry with them into future hobbies or careers in recording and live sound.

Another of my key responsibilities is managing WPTS's weekly Live Show, during which local artists perform an hour-long set live on air. Prior to each performance, I communicate with artists about their technical needs, and plan to tailor setup accordingly. At the time of the show, I coordinate the setup and teardown of the the station's audio equipment—along with any artist equipment—and oversee live mixing to ensure each performance sounds polished and professional.

As the Engineering Director, I am driven by a commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative, and enriching environment throughout the engineering department. I strive to ensure that staffers feel confident asking questions, taking on new challenges, and growing in their abilities.

Becoming a staffer at WPTS has been an incredibly formative part of my time at the University of Pittsburgh. In my time working at the station, I have been able to further develop a love for audio engineering and hands-on problem solving. To me, this role represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a community that has helped me grow, and to help create the same supportive and rewarding environment for others.