BTCC Alumni Spotlight – Yash-Yee Johnson
When I first enrolled at Brown’s Town Community College, I had no idea that I was taking the first step toward a lifelong journey in engineering. Back then, I was just a curious student who loved figuring out how things worked and asking lots of questions.
Some of my fondest memories are from my days at the Technical Campus: cheering on Ritz (Purple) during Sports Day and bonding with friends at our Jerk Chicken Potluck. Those friends have remained some of my closest companions to this day. But beyond the fun, BTCC was where I discovered my passion.
I still remember my first engineering project, designing a 12V DC power supply for my CAPE Year 1 Electrical & Electronic Technology class. At first, it felt overwhelming, but as I worked through each stage, that feeling of challenge slowly turned into satisfaction. It was the moment I realized how exciting and practical electrical engineering could be. That single project sparked a passion that would shape the rest of my academic and professional life.
The courses at BTCC built a foundation that has carried me far. Being taught by Mr. Andre Clarke was a highlight. He encouraged my inquisitive nature and never tired of my detailed questions, which taught me never to be afraid to ask. I also thoroughly enjoyed Caribbean and Communication Studies with Mr. Raymond Treasure, whose teaching style brought every lesson to life.
That foundation led me to pursue higher studies, and today, I hold a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. My research lies at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on machine learning, image and video processing for medical and autonomous vehicle applications. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to complete internships at Intel, Ford, and Apple, all experiences that have deepened my technical expertise and reaffirmed my passion for solving real-world problems.
BTCC didn’t just give me knowledge; it taught me critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills that have guided me through every stage of my career.
To current students, my advice is simple: approach your time at BTCC with a growth mindset. It’s an opportunity for personal and academic development; make the most of it. Learn, connect, and enjoy the journey. These are some of the best years of your life, and the friendships you make here can last forever.
Being a BTCC alum means being part of something bigger than myself — a lifelong connection to an institution that shaped who I am today. I will always cherish the lessons I learned here and the passion that started within those classrooms.
Class of 2010 | Batch 33
CAPE Associate Degree in Engineering Science
