Why did you choose UC San Diego Structural Engineering?
In my freshman year of undergrad, I made the decision to transfer to the SE program, having been introduced to it through my involvement with Triton UAS, an autonomous airplane project team led by SE students. This transition was motivated by my enthusiasm for delving into the realms of aerospace composite structure design, analysis, and manufacturing – areas that had captivated me during my time with Triton UAS. The coursework in the SE aerospace focus sequence aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Following my undergraduate studies, I ventured into the industry as a Stress Engineer, gaining valuable experience. Eventually, I returned to UC San Diego's Department of Structural Engineering as a master's thesis student, driven by a desire to further my expertise in composites, finite element analysis (FEA), and structural dynamics.
What was your favorite experience at UC San Diego?
My most enriching undergraduate experience at UC San Diego revolved around my journey with Triton UAS, where I began as a member and eventually ascended to the roles of team lead and project manager. This involvement offered a unique hands-on platform for me to put into practice the knowledge I was gaining in my SE courses, particularly in the domains of design, analysis, and manufacturing. My time with Triton UAS equipped me with valuable skills such as leadership within an interdisciplinary team, collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, and effective management of long-term projects.
Where are you now?
I currently work at NASA Glenn as an Aerospace Engineer. I work in the structural dynamics lab which is responsible for vibration testing hardware for various loading conditions such as launch and spaceflight. I also support testing at the Mechanical Vibration Facility at the Armstrong Test Facility which is the world’s largest and most powerful spacecraft shake table. I’m looking forward to supporting testing for the SpaceX payload adapt fitting and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
I highly recommend that undergraduate students consider joining a project team as it offers a valuable opportunity to acquire practical experience, understand the mechanics of managing engineering projects, and collaborate with peers from diverse academic backgrounds. Additionally, I suggest that all students engage in conversations with their professors, teaching assistants (TAs), and graduate students within their areas of interest. This enables them to tap into the wealth of professional experience and technical expertise these individuals possess within their respective fields of study. Lastly, during my time in graduate school, I faced the challenge of juggling research progress, TA responsibilities for lab classes, and coursework. I came across a support group for women in STEM and regularly engaged with this group, which was immensely beneficial. This experience taught me the vital importance of cultivating a diverse network of support systems to not only navigate my academic journey but also to flourish in life.