By Stephen Greenwell

For Theophilus Kaaya, a proud University of Houston alumnus, his connection to his family was an important consideration when it came to initially picking a college, especially since he would be acclimating to the United States from Uganda.

“I came as an international student, and my first two siblings came before me. They went to Texas Southern University,” he said. “I was interested in mechanical engineering or something else involving engineering. It had to be engineering, which TSU didn’t have at that point.”

It was a combination of the programs offered and the proximity to his family that combined to make UH an attractive school for his undergraduate degree.

“UH had my major, mechanical engineering, and it was close to TSU, where my siblings had gone before,” he said. “Compared to other universities in the Houston area, it was also more affordable.”

Kaaya earned his doctorate from UH in 2023, and he is now a propulsion engineer at Boeing. Throughout his educational journey, Kaaya said he has relied on his family, community, and God for support.

“Family bond is important. We’re raised to grow together as a family and to work things out together as family, so that has helped a lot in my journey,” he said. “They have been there in my down moments when I’m feeling low, and they’ve been there in my high moments. That has helped temper and handle any challenges that I’ve faced throughout my academic journey. It’s important, and I treasure it very much.”

Once he was enrolled at UH, Kaaya said that the staff at Learning Support Services (LSS) — now known as LAUNCH — were vital to his success. He later worked as a tutor for LSS for majority of his undergraduate as well.

“Down there we had Dr. Laura Heidel, and Mr. Kenneth Williams, they were my supervisors,” he said. “They equipped us with all the resources we needed to be successful, not only as tutors, but also as students. They made the learning process and stay at school memorable and enjoyable. Every time I finished my work, I had to go down to the tutoring center and help students. I love teaching and tutoring, and that helped me build my social, negotiation and teaching skills.”

As part of his studies, Kaaya had to take history courses, which he noted with a laugh that he initially wasn’t looking forward to. But now, he recognizes their importance.

“I didn’t like history that much at first. The fact that I had come to college, and they told me I had to do history, again, I was thinking of going back,” he said, laughing. “My sister told me to think of the big picture. What do you actually want? And that helped me put things in perspective. History was just two semesters, and that would be it, but eventually, when I attended the classes, I started enjoying history. And to this day, I can see how history does actually affect and informs engineering. We may not think of it that much, but it actually plays a vital role, even when you’re solving problems.”

Kaaya earned his mechanical engineering degree from Cullen, but elected to continue at the college, earning his master’s degree and doctorate as well. The financial aid offered by the school and the strides in improving the research environment were key in his decision. The university achieved Tier One status in 2011, which was reconfirmed in 2016.

“They did offer some scholarships that I took opportunity of for my Bachelor‘s level, and they also offered me a scholarship for my master‘s degree. That allowed me to come back and do the first year of my master’s before I switched to the Ph.D.,” he said. “The Ph.D. offered the Graduate Tuition Fund and departmental scholarships that helped cover most of the tuition, and it also allowed me to get a monthly stipend that covered my expenses for my day-to-day living.”

When asked if he had advice for current students, Kaaya stressed the importance of reaching out to others for support.

“There is no need to fear faculty and staff. They are there to help us succeed,” he said. “Make friends and make the memories count. This is one of the best times you will have in your academic journey. Be resilient, determined, and focused on your goals. It is easy to get distracted, but having accountability buddies and remembering the reason you are going to school will keep you on track. Use as many opportunities available as possible. You never know what might come of them.”