Student Spotlight: Christian

Anonymous — Tue, 02 May 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Student Spotlight: Christian Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/02/2017 - 00:00

What is your current Emphasis and Concentration?

I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering + Entrepreneurship.

Why did you decide on this combination for your Concentration and Emphasis?

Originally I came to �� Boulder to study Aerospace Engineering because ever since I was about 10 years old I could not shake my fascination in airplanes. I used to create basic blue print designs of ideas I had and make working 3D models from paper. It was definitely an obsession. Before that however I wanted to be an architect that would design massive buildings one day. As time went on I found more and more interests that became passions I could see myself pursing. Freshman year I realized that the basis of all my passions was this desire to create and then share what I created. This entrepreneurial spirit has been with me for years, so when I found the potential to combine it with my passion for engineering through e+ I knew I struck gold. By building my degree in e+ I have found that I am building the foundation for numerous doors in the future. To have the opportunity to open even one of those doors and create a company based on one of my passions has become even more real to me because of e+.

Why did you choose Engineering Plus as your major?

After a semester of studying Aerospace Engineering, I felt that I was missing something in my education. I switched into Mechanical Engineering and felt that I was drawing closer to the educational experience that would build the foundation for me to pursue my passions as a career in the future. When a friend of mine told me about the e+ program she was in, I became incredibly curious about what this opportunity might bring. After researching the major a little more I found that it held the missing link. To be able to focus on the branch of engineering that would give me the most versatile skills while gaining hands on experience AND honing my entrepreneurial spirit was an opportunity I could not pass up.

What do you find most unique about this program?

Everyone I have met is happy and passionate about what they are doing with Engineering Plus. Whether they are getting their degree, teaching, or administering and designing the program, they are excited to be there. It feels more like a community than the other two majors I had previously been in. Everyone truly cares about honing the unique interests of one another and that is a really cool thing to be a part of.

What have you gained from an e+ degree, versus a traditional engineering degree?

The fact that I can fashion two of my greatest passions together in a degree that will give me numerous opportunities to gain hands on experience and diversify my skillset is something I never knew was possible. I learn best by doing, not by cramming my brain full of facts and equations and then taking quizzes and exams. Everything e+ has to offer is practical, everything I have learned, am learning, and will learn through the program will help me think quickly on my feet in the workspace.

Christian transferred into the program so he didn't have to choose between his entrepreneurial passion and desire for hands-on engineering experience.

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Student Spotlight: Glenda

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 19:09:48 +0000

Student Spotlight: Glenda Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/20/2017 - 13:09

This Student Spotlight highlights how e+ student, Glenda, has navigated her degree in Engineering Plus; Aerospace Emphasis + Engineering Management. Through her many experiences, such as at the Colorado Space Grant Consortium and as an intern at Ball Aerospace, Glenda learned the value of collaboration and real-world experience. Read more about Glenda's studies, advice, and her involvement in the e+ community!

What is your current e+ Emphasis and Concentration and how does this align with your future goals?

My Emphasis is Aerospace Engineering with a Concentration in Engineering Management. These two topics combined really compliment my interests in space systems engineering as well as the project engineering side of space missions which I hope to continue to be involved in through the long term. I am very interested in how an end to end space system works but also really interested in making sure it meets the criteria it needs to in order to be a successful mission.

What are you involved with on-campus and how would you encourage other students interested in getting involved?

I have been involved at the Colorado Space Grant Consortium which is part of a national program funded by NASA. Space Grant has given me the opportunity to get hands on experience in working on satellite missions. Most recently I was the project manager of a CubeSat mission, PolarCube for three years which really gave me insight in spacecraft systems as well as experience in managing a team of students while interacting with one of our primary stakeholders like Air Force Research Labs. Space Grant is a great way to get hands on experience and work with industry mentors to get practical skills. It is a very welcoming environment since it offers such a wide range of projects for all different levels of skill sets.

What have you learned from your participation in extracurricular activities and job opportunities as it relates to your academics or future goals?

One of the major lessons learned from working at Space Grant and working as an intern at Ball Aerospace is that it is really valuable to never be shy to ask questions. Curiosity and eagerness to learn are not only attributes needed to succeed in academics but are two fundamental attributes needed to make an impact on a project or mission. Having both of those attributes really enables a group of engineering students (or engineers in industry) to work through understanding design problems and finding innovative solutions.

What has been your favorite Engineering Plus course and why?

My favorite Engineering Plus course is tied between Engineering Projects for the Community (GEEN 2400) and Engineering Invention and Innovation (GEEN 3400). GEEN 2400 really offered a sense of purpose to the project since at the end of the semester I was able to deliver my project to someone that would use it and helped me tailor it to their needs. GEEN 3400 was a class that let me think outside the box and also helped me learn about how to market an engineering idea which is extremely valuable in industry. Both courses also were really hands on and provide a lot of workshops through the ITLL for technical skill building.

What advice would you give to a student looking to get involved?

If a student is looking to get involved in Engineering Plus, I would advise him/her to get excited about learning to collaborate with students and staff. Engineering Plus is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to problem solve throughout their entire undergraduate career, which not only models how industry works but also enables a sense of community for all of the e+ students at �� Boulder.

Glenda has an Aerospace Emphasis + Engineering Management Concentration. Through her many experiences, such as at the Colorado Space Grant Consortium and as an intern at Ball Aerospace, Glenda learned the value of collaboration and real-world experience.

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