Uber Driver Earns Engineering Degree, Eyes Nuclear Power

Daniel Oswalt bounced between college majors, worked construction with his family, and even studied philosophy based on advice from a movie character before finding his calling.

The Hampshire, Tennessee native discovered his passion while taking an automotive electrical repair course. He loved solving electrical problems so much more than his classmates that he knew he had found his path.

But college seemed out of reach until he started driving for Uber. That's when Oswalt learned the company offered a scholarship through Arizona State University covering 100% of tuition for eligible drivers and their families.

He enrolled in ASU's electrical engineering program, one of only a few ABET-accredited programs available completely online. Through a pandemic, a cross-country move, buying a house, getting married, and working full time, he kept pushing forward.

His wife became his anchor during the hardest moments. "I am not sure I would have been able to attend and finish this degree without the Uber scholarship," Oswalt said. "I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity this partnership has provided me."

A nuclear power engineering class taught by Professor Keith Holbert changed everything for Oswalt. The course opened his eyes to how serious engineering could bring safe, clean energy to communities across America.

He joined the American Nuclear Society and connected with mentors in the nuclear power industry who helped shape his vision. The precision and teamwork required in nuclear engineering felt like exactly what he had been searching for all along.

Why This Inspires

Oswalt's journey shows how second chances and unexpected opportunities can transform lives. A ride-sharing gig became a gateway to higher education, and a single college class sparked a mission to help power America's clean energy future.

His story also highlights how support systems matter. Behind every graduate facing obstacles stands someone believing in them, whether it's a spouse, a scholarship program, or a professor who makes complex subjects come alive.

This spring, Oswalt crossed the graduation stage with his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Next up: passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and landing a job in the electrical power industry as his stepping stone to nuclear power.

When asked what he'd do with $40 million, his answer was simple: fund clean energy research and build more nuclear power plants to replace less sustainable sources.