Khalfani Hargrow was born and raised in Tennessee, where he lived with my mother, father, younger brother, and dog. He was homeschooled by his mother, where he learned to understand his own unique process of learning and problem solving.
He applied to the Coast Guard Academy as a government major and noticed in his first semester courses that his passion was in subjects like, physics, math, and computer coding. This is when he knew he needed to get into an engineering major.
Hargrow switched to taking calculus 2, introduction to computing, and engineering mechanics: statics, all courses not traditionally taken by government majors, during his second semester. This furthered his interest and passion in math and engineering and ultimately led him to switch to electrical engineering.
“I love the challenge and process of solving difficult problems presented in my engineering courses and gaining a better understanding of some of the driving principles of the way our world works. My experiences growing up greatly influenced the way I approach engineering,” Hargrow said.
Hargrow was heavily involved in taekwondo in high school, competing in national and international competitions. He said electrical engineering is heavy in abstract thinking, very similar to sparring, which is one of the reasons he was drawn to it.
“I love the process of approaching abstract concepts in concrete ways and simplifying them,” Hargrow said.
Currently, his focus of study is cyber-physical security of generators and motors. This project is interdisciplinary, and he works heavily with cyber systems majors at the academy.
Outside of academics, he currently serving as the Regimental Chief of Staff at the Coast Guard Academy, which is the third highest cadet leadership position. He has practiced and grown in many useful skills like compromise, problem solving, and communicating with many groups.
In addition to his military leadership, he is the powerlifting and bodybuilding club president/captain. The club provides an outlet for members to learn about and participate in strength sports. The team is made up of people who have never been in a gym before joining as well as people who have years of experience. Hargrow said his involvement in the club has been one of the highlights of his Academy career.
“It is awesome to watch members discipline and dedication directly translate into them becoming stronger and more confident,” Hargrow said.
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