Jonah Sharp Launched His Engineering Career at Constellation Energy–R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant

Jonah Sharp '20 (mechanical engineering), like so many graduating RIT students in 2020, experienced a semester unlike any other. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, students' lives were turned upside down as they faced the challenges of graduating college and embarking on careers during an uncertain time. Despite the challenges, students adapted and created solutions (including the toilet paper diploma Sharp created for his virtual graduation ceremony at home), and ultimately came out on top without sacrificing academic performance. 

“Failure was never an option, and we successfully graduated on time. It was a total team effort, and I believe our finest hour as students and as a community at RIT,” says Sharp. “I don't think I would be the engineer I am today or have the successes I’ve had in my career without that experience.”

Sharp’s journey led him to Constellation Energy–R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario, New York, where he work as a mechanical systems and design engineer. In his position, Sharp is entrusted with outreach for the plant. He gives tours, attends recruitment events, and participates in a guest lecture series at RIT with professors Margaret Bailey and Tim Landschoot.   

Sharp encourages current and future RIT students to get outside their comfort zones. “School work and academic success are priority one, but remember to have confidence, determination, work-life balance, fun, and just live the adventure. Get outside your comfort zone. A really great friend gave me that advice the summer before my senior year, and with it, everything fell into place.”