Class of 2023: Fourth-generation Hokie Hayden Craun goes from farming to firmware
Name: Hayden Craun
College: College of Engineering
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Franklin County, Virginia
Plans after graduation: After finishing up his internship at Kollmorgen in Radford, Craun will join their team as a full-time software design engineer, working with the firmware team.
Favorite Hokie memory: “There are so many memories, but one that stands out is The Big Event organized by vtONE. I was privileged to be the acoustic guitarist in the band. It was a moving and an amazing event to be a part of.”
His Virginia Tech legacy
Three things run through Hayden Craun’s blood: family, farming, and Virginia Tech.
As a fourth-generation Hokie, Craun deviated from the family tradition of majoring in agriculture to tackle computer engineering in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
“It all goes back to my programming and circuits courses with professor George Studtman at Virginia Western Community College,” Craun said. “He just really loves what he does, and that excitement rubbed off on me.”
Craun, who transferred through the Virginia Tech Network for Engineering Transfer Students (VT NETS) coordinated by the Center for Enhancing Engineering Diversity, originally joined ECE as an electrical engineering major.
“I loved my electrical engineering classes, but when I started taking some of the higher up programming classes – specifically the embedded systems course,” Craun said, “I was like, ‘OK. I’m switching over to computer engineering.’ It’s definitely a challenge, but I love a good challenge, especially when it’s something I enjoy doing.”
Life on the farm
Craun is no stranger to a challenge – in fact, it’s part of the family business. He grew up the oldest of four boys on a 120-acre former dairy farm, and had his fair share of responsibilities and communication issues.
“As my brothers and I worked together, we had to just figure out how we could work as a team, resolve our issues,” Craun said. “I’ve really learned teamwork, discipline, and a good work ethic – skills I’ll use through my whole life.”
When the farm pivoted from producing its own dairy to raising other farms’ heifers, Craun and his brothers found themselves helping to raise several hundred baby cows. Quickly Craun learned a good work ethic was essential to ensure the animals were fed and safe, regardless of time, season, or weather.
“Even if it was hard, I’ve been very happy with my upbringing and all the things it taught me,” Craun said. “It’s become something I’ve appreciated, especially in college and starting my career. There’s a difference between farming and engineering, of course, but it’s all about teamwork.”
From research to industry
During 2022, Craun worked with associate professor Wei Zhou in his nanophotonics and plasmonics lab. After a semester, Zhou recommended Craun for a fully online research fellowship with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, developing nano antennas.
Even though Craun has ultimately transitioned away from research, he counts Zhou as a strong influence in his life.
“He has been very, very supportive of my career,” Craun said. “He helped me a lot with reference letters for internships and scholarships. I’ve really appreciated all of his efforts to give me advice, move me forward, and allow me to explore my interests.”
Craun’s industry interests led him to an internship at Kollmorgen in Radford in 2023, where Craun was able to experience what it would be like to be an actual employee, which is exactly what Craun will be after he graduates.
“They’re an excellent team,” Craun said. “One thing I love about Kollmorgen is everybody’s so friendly. It’s a laid back environment, truly not stressful at all. I’ve been really impressed with the culture; it’s definitely somewhere I want to be.”
