Golden Pipeline Series
A Domer's Golden Glimpse into Networking and Landing Your Dream Opportunity with America's Top Employers
The Texas Program of the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development continues to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with alumni and recruiting representatives at leading organizations such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Walt Disney Imagineering, NASA, and others that are actively seeking to hire applicants with STEM degrees.
Join Jo Anne Mackay Nasti, Notre Dame’s Houston-based Regional Manager, for a virtual information session designed to help you navigate the recruiting process, strengthen your marketability, and stand out to top employers. These sessions are for Domers, by Domers, and Jo Anne will invite special guests from each of these companies to join her to share their advice and wisdom.
After each virtual session, a resume book will be downloaded (of all attendees) and provided to our closest contacts and relationships at each company. The Texas Notre Dame Network consists of alumni, recruiters, and hiring managers who support more Domers within their companies. Priority is given to Notre Dame students interested in tech careers and pathways, and who are serious about making connections for summer internships and full-time career opportunities.
Tuesday, February 24th
Inside Oracle NetSuite: Consulting, Systems, and Scalable Business – Join us for an interactive session with EJ Kelly, a Functional Consultant at Oracle NetSuite in Austin, Texas. A Notre Dame alumnus (BA ’23, MS ’24), EJ brings a unique blend of design thinking, business strategy, and technology implementation to his work at one of the world’s leading cloud ERP platforms. While at Notre Dame, EJ co-founded Keough Kitch, a student-led food service venture, gaining hands-on experience managing operations, systems, and real-world business challenges. In this session, EJ will share insights on translating academic skills into high-impact roles, working at the intersection of business and technology, and navigating career paths in consulting and enterprise software.
Tuesday, March 3rd
From Notre Dame to NASA: Problem-Solving on the Front Lines of Spaceflight – Join us for an engaging conversation with Timmy Stavetski, a Flight Controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he supports real-time spaceflight operations at the forefront of human space exploration. A Notre Dame alumnus (BS ’20 in Mathematics, Studio Art minor), Timmy’s path to NASA blends rigorous analytical thinking with creativity and adaptability. From solving complex, high-stakes problems to collaborating in mission-critical teams, Timmy will share how skills developed across STEM, the arts, and student involvement translate into impactful careers. This session is ideal for students interested in engineering, science, business, and anyone curious about applying problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity in high-pressure, real-world environments.
Tuesday, March 17th
Engineering the Future of Space: Launch, Land, and Operate with Firefly Aerospace – Join us for a compelling conversation with Peggy (Watson) Harris, Director at Firefly Aerospace, a space and defense technology company enabling customers to launch, land, and operate in space. A Notre Dame alumna (BS ’20 in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering), Peggy works at the forefront of advanced space systems, where engineering precision, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and mission-driven innovation are critical to success. In this session, Peggy will share insights into real-world aerospace engineering, career pathways in commercial space and defense, and what it takes to lead complex technical teams in a fast-moving industry. This event is ideal for students interested in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, and those eager to apply rigorous engineering principles to spaceflight and beyond.
Tuesday, March 24th
Engineering for Launch: Structural Integrity, Testing, and Innovation at SpaceX – Join us for an exciting conversation with Aryanna Perez, a Non-Destructive Engineer (NDE) at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, where cutting-edge aerospace systems are designed, tested, and prepared for launch. A Notre Dame alumna (BS ’25 in Aerospace Engineering), Aryanna works at the intersection of materials science, structural engineering, and advanced testing methods to ensure the safety and reliability of spaceflight hardware. While at Notre Dame, she served as Chief Structural Engineer for the CubeSat program, gaining hands-on experience in structural analysis, design validation, and systems integration. In this session, Aryanna will share insights into real-world engineering at SpaceX, the role of non-destructive evaluation in high-risk systems, and how multidisciplinary engineering skills—from mechanics and electronics to data analysis—come together to drive innovation in modern space exploration.
Tuesday, April 7th
Engineering Beyond the Blueprint with Chevron – Join us for an engaging conversation with Ryan Dunbar, Project Manager and Engineer at Chevron in Houston, Texas. A Notre Dame alumnus (BS ’13 in Civil Engineering), Ryan brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and business leadership, holding a Master’s in Structural Engineering from UT Austin and an MBA from Rice University. In this session, Ryan will share insights on managing large-scale engineering projects, navigating interdisciplinary teams, and leveraging technical foundations to grow into leadership roles across industries. He’ll also reflect on how involvement in honors programs, professional societies, and mentorship shaped his career—and why giving back through coaching and mentoring continues to play a key role in his professional journey.
Tuesday, April 14th
Where Can Your major Take You? A Career Conversation with IBM – Join us for a conversation with Angelo Perino, Management Consultant at IBM based in Chicago and a Notre Dame alumnus (BA ’84 in Economics and Computer Applications). With decades of experience spanning technology, business strategy, and consulting—and an MBA in Finance from Loyola University Chicago—Angelo will share insights on building a versatile career, adapting across industries, and turning academic skills into professional impact. This session is open to students of all majors and is especially valuable for those curious about consulting, business, technology, or careers at IBM. Angelo is passionate about connecting with Notre Dame students and will discuss opportunities, pathways, and what IBM looks for in early-career talent.
Tuesday, April 28th
Engineering the Magic with Walt Disney Imagineering – Ever wonder what it takes to bring Disney’s most iconic attractions to life? Join us for a virtual event with Notre Dame alum Tyler Emptage, now a Lead Software Developer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Tyler will share his journey from Notre Dame to Imagineering, where he develops the cutting-edge software that powers rides, immersive experiences, and behind-the-scenes magic at Disney parks worldwide. He’ll provide insights into how engineering and creativity come together to create unforgettable guest experiences, along with advice for students interested in pursuing careers that blend STEM, innovation, and storytelling. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear directly from someone helping to build the future of themed entertainment—and learn how your own technical skills could shape extraordinary worlds.