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March's Featured Alumnus: Ryan Ovenell '16
March 11, 2019
Written by Kathryn Ross
Since graduating from APU in 2016, alumnus Ryan Ovenell has found not just work, but
his calling, in high explosives operations and handling. This volatile vocation blossomed
from a fascination with physics, Ovenell’s major while at APU. Of course, the road
to employment wasn’t streamlined or simple. It took a lot of prayer, faith, and influence
from APU’s environment to help grow Ovenell into a well-rounded candidate ready to
take on the world beyond the university.
Ovenell’s interest in physics stemmed from a “desire to learn how or why something
works, beginning with the basics, all the way to complex features.” He decided to
get a degree in physics because it “gives you the tools necessary to know how systems,
organisms, and the laws of nature work, all from the ground up.” When he began his
studies, he never imagined landing the position he holds now: High Explosives Operations
Lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).
“I had no idea that I would take a B.S. in Physics to a national laboratory and work
daily with high explosives,” says Ovenell. “It’s been challenging and a lot of fun.”
Though this turn of events in his career was a surprise for him, Ovenell began laying
the groundwork well before he graduated. “I submitted 22 applications to LLNL alone,”
he says. “As my senior year came to a close, I had interviewed for 3 different companies
(including LLNL) but hadn’t received an offer.” It wasn’t until his very last day
of classes at APU when he received a call that not only changed his life but confirmed
his calling: “I printed my final copy of my senior project paper, turned it in to
the professor, and walked outside into the sunshine. Immediately my phone rang and
LLNL offered me a full-time job, effective immediately! I’m happy to report that after
two and a half years at LLNL, the work is still challenging and so rewarding.”
While he loves his job and exciting position, Ovenell maintains that his time at APU
prepared him for this work in more ways than just academically. As a place where he
was able to make friends, receive advice and valuable experiences, network with professors
and colleagues, and even meet his wife of nearly 2 years, Chelsey, APU has been a
cornerstone in Ovenell’s success in his professional and personal life. “APU did a
fine job of teaching me technical skills that I call upon now and then at work,” he
notes. “But, primarily, I felt equipped with the people skills necessary to promote
myself for a position and to work peaceably and effectively as a member of a larger
team. Nine times out of ten, an employer would like a good team player with a moderate
level of knowledge over a brilliant mind who cannot communicate or get along. APU
does a great job of rounding out the person and giving even someone who is in math
and science the skills to succeed.”
In addition to equipping him for work and life as a mature adult, Ovenell also notes
how APU’s faith-based college experience has impacted his career: “My foundation in
Christ was strengthened at APU through classes, discussions, and Bible studies I was
involved in,” he says. “Since then, I have had a number of passionate discussions
with co-workers, some of which share my Christian beliefs, but many of who were against
Christian ideas. While there is a time and a place to provide circumstantial evidence
proving the validity of Jesus and His Word, the most important tactic for reaching
people in this hurting and lost world is to listen to them, offer hope and friendship,
and look for an opportunity to give an answer for why you believe when they ask, because
they will ask.”
Though his time at APU has already come to a close, Ovenell remembers each of his
college years fondly and still revels in their continuing impact. “Without a doubt
meeting my wife, Chelsey, in the Shire mods is the best thing that ever happened to
me,” he says of his most meaningful experiences at APU. In addition, he recalls the
fun of the freshman dorms, the variety of his sophomore year, the intellectual rigor
of junior year, and the anticipation of senior year as meaningful moments. “However,”
Ovenell adds, “I must also add the generosity I received from the Trustee Scholars
is a gift that I will always remember and be grateful for--my annual luncheon with
the Trustees and sharing my experience at APU with them will always be a cherished
memory.”
For current and incoming students, Ovenell offers this word of advice:
“Work hard and give 100% in academics - you will never regret doing that. But also,
embrace all the extracurricular activities at APU as well - intramural sports, outdoor
activities, road trips with friends, dances, concerts, hikes, and so much more...
even if you just dip your toe in all of them, you will have some rich memories and
a few great stories.”