Beth Peterson 89 MBA was a professor at the University of New Haven at the same time that her son, Chad Peterson 18, was a student, and they are now colleagues at Electric Boat.

January 31, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

When Charles "Chad Peterson 18 was pursuing his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, he often saw a familiar face among the Universitys professors: that of his mother, Beth Peterson 89 MBA.

"Professors at the University, like my mom, deeply care about their students, Chad said. "Some of them have even become lifetime mentors.

Teaching as an adjunct professor in the Universitys physics department enabled Beth to spend time with her son while he was in school, and to get to know his professors and roommates.

"I was so proud that he chose the University of New Haven," she said. "He said it was his first choice because liked the vibe and the small class sizes. Hes carrying on the Charger tradition."

Chad collaborated with Chong Qiu, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry who later became the first University of New Haven professor to be awarded a National Science Foundation Early Career Award for his groundbreaking work as part of his Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) project.

The interactions and experiences he had during SURF and throughout his time as a Charger fueled his passion for more.

"I love helping people learn, and a big part of that comes from all the passionate teachers Ive had, Chad said.

Although mother and son no longer run into each other at the University, their paths have crossed again this time at Electric Boat, where Beth and Chad work as engineers.

Beth, who also owns a business as well as several manufacturing facilities with her husband, Charles Peterson Sr., says she felt the University prepared her and her son to excel in the field of engineering.

"While completing my MBA, I learned about many aspects of the engineering industry, she said. "I learned the importance of operations and efficiency to make companies more profitable, as well as program and project management, scheduling, and budgets. The MBA has helped me succeed throughout my career.

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Mother and Son Alumni Share Connection as Chargers, Passion for Learning - University of New Haven News