- Seneca Valley School District
- Where Are They Now?
Alumni Q&A with Ben Ranayhossaini, Class of 2004
Posted by the Communications Department on 5/31/2018
Seneca Valley 2004 graduate Ben Ranayhossaini is an engineer at Westinghouse Electric Company and has more recently been participating in US Olympic bobsledding and skeleton tryouts. We asked him to catch us up on what he is doing today and how Seneca Valley influenced his life and career.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: I’ve been an engineer at Westinghouse Electric Company in the Instrumentation and Controls department for 10 years, starting in 2008. During my time at Westinghouse, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on several projects, and have traveled the globe performing various engineering services at commercial nuclear power plants.
After graduating from Seneca Valley, I attended Penn State University and received my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Shortly after, in 2009, I enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in their graduate program while working at Westinghouse. I studied for three years, and in 2012 I graduated with my master’s in Electrical Engineering. Most recently, I took the Professional Engineering Exam in October 2017, and I am now a registered Professional Engineer, with a focus in Electrical Power.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I am half Persian, and my other half is of other European descent (primarily Italian). I have two brothers, Nick and Dan, who are also Seneca Valley Graduates. I am the oldest sibling.
I recently married my beautiful wife, Anna, in December 2017.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: Outside of work and academics, I also have several hobbies I enjoy. While at Seneca, I didn’t really participate in sports or extracurricular activities, but during my college years I started to develop a liking for my own athleticism, starting with powerlifting, bodybuilding, running, etc. Over the years that has grown into a passion, to such an extent, where I am now participating in US Olympic bobsledding and skeleton tryouts. I’ve been attending the US Bobsledding and Skeleton tryout events for the last three years (since 2015); each year I have measurable progression in my physical aptitude.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: Honestly, Seneca Valley is one of the best schools around. I started from kindergarten, and through the years, Seneca really enriched my learning; I’m proud to be an alumni. The credit really goes to all of my teachers, who allowed me to grow each year.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: The education is challenging; toward the high school and senior high school years, the school provides an environment which sets a pathway for a student to succeed and project themselves into several career opportunities. Seneca Valley provides all of the educational “tools” necessary; it’s up to the student to apply them, and use them to build themselves into success.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: They were all my favorite!
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley?
A: I have to say that my favorite memory is high school graduation. I recall the whole student class meeting in the senior high auditorium, anxious to walk down to the football field and receive our diplomas. I was proud, being the first born in my family, to finally finish and begin my trek into the real world. At the time, it felt like I had accomplished a huge milestone.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: I am grateful for all they have done, and continue to do. Teachers are a fundamental component in providing a solid education.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: Seneca Valley is a great school, rooted in a wonderful community.
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