Joshua Cocker, recently named a Keystone Professor at the University of Maryland, came from QUEST roots. QUESTPress writer Abby Wexler was able to chat with him about his journey from QUEST student to professor at the University of Maryland.

Josh Cocker

Professor Cocker isn’t a new face to the University of Maryland. He graduated in 2019 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of QUEST Cohort 27. He then went on to get his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering also at the University of Maryland. Most recently, after his positive experiences at the University, he was recently named a Keystone Instructor for ENES100. When asked about his favorite part of his job, he shared that it is “rewarding to work with people who are excited to get into engineering.”

He decided to become an instructor after he developed a strong relationship with the faculty who ran the Keystone program in the engineering school and asked about openings. His many experiences at UMD through being a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant made him excited about this opportunity.

Outside of his time as a lecturer, Cocker emphasized his involvement with Terrapin Works and University of Maryland’s Makerspace initiative through the Engineering School. Specifically, he runs the Woodshop. He picked up his hobby of woodworking during his master’s program and began to pursue it as a hobby. He truly enjoys his ability to combine a hobby with a part of his career. He even shared that he made the desk that he was sitting at!

As far as QUEST’s impact on his career and where he is now, he shared that he was able to take away two big concepts. The QUEST program was able to better his communication skills as an engineer, which he feels gives him the ability to communicate with his students better. In QUEST, we learn how to sell a story, and he compared that to what he does every day with his students. He has to find a way to engage these students! He also emphasized that QUEST taught him how to look at what problems he should be solving.

Outside of his job at the University of Maryland, he enjoys rock climbing and playing soccer. In addition, Professor Cocker emphasized the uniqueness of the Makerspace on campus, where they help all University of Maryland students bring projects and ideas to life. To access more information about the Makerspace, visit makerspace.umd.edu. 

It was great to learn about Professor Cocker’s journey from QUESTee to UMD Professor!