Allen used to teach public school in Chicago. He spent a lot of time visiting his uncle, a Georgia Tech graduate, who lived nearby in Indiana.

Allen already had two degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Georgia, but he realized he needed a more stable career. He graduated Saturday with a degree in electrical engineering.

There was another motivator as well.

“I felt like I could help people better if I helped myself as well,” he said. “It’s great to think about the fact that I’m now graduating with a degree in engineering. I think it definitely makes me a more well-rounded person.”

Allen’s desire to help others could be found in his project for the Spring 2017 Capstone Design Expo, which showcases innovations designed and built by graduating seniors.

He was part of the team that made Medcap, a medical cap that helps prevent heat stroke in recreational athletes by monitoring their core temperature and blood pressure.

The device even won the expo’s electrical and computer engineering award.

Learn more about Allen here.