Why Engineering?
I am committed to high-quality work, results, and service. My high-achieving attitude is accompanied by strong analytical skills, a love of learning, and discipline. I enjoy collaborating with people whose talents complement my own. Although my background is in mechanical engineering, I am drawn to packaging because of my talents in engineering and math, as well as my affinity for design and connections to marketing, consumer behavior, creativity, and innovation. Knowledge of mechanical engineering brings a fresh way of thinking to the packaging field that allows me to make valuable contributions. My current Packaging Engineering R&D internship at PepsiCo, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, is preparing me to excel as an engineer by exposing me to specifications, line trials, testing, travel, manufacturing, cross-functional teams, and all other aspects that contribute to a well-engineered package. |
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Study Abroad in Germany During the summer of 2013, I traveled to Freiburg, Germany to study Engineering. I took engineering courses, Thermodynamics and Engineering Economics, with ten other students from Miami University and Miami faculty members Dr. Amy Yousefi and Mostafa Modirrousta. In addition to these courses, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to seven countries: England, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
The Engineering in Germany Workshop greatly advanced my academic, professional, and personal goals. I took two core engineering courses that helped me make progress towards my degree in Mechanical Engineering. Furthermore, I will got to experience the "real world" of engineering and business through guest lecturers and professional excursions, which certainly provided me with a big picture view as I begin thinking about my career. As a member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute at Miami, I've had the chance to interact with seasoned professionals in the engineering field and visit Lockheed Martin and NASA facilities. I have gained a broader perspective on what it means to be an engineer; in today's world, it is vital to have abilities besides technical skills, including communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. I think that visiting the Mercedes Benz and Porsche production plants and museums in Stuttgart, hydro power plant on the Rhine crossing Germany and Switzerland, and other energy plants continued to enhance my views and gave me another inside look into the field I am pursuing. The way to get real, first-hand experience is by going out in the field; it cannot be taught in a classroom! Besides these academic and professional reasons, I have always loved travelling and learning about how people around the world live and work. Ever since my trip to Europe a few years ago, I had been searching for opportunities to return. I've always wanted to live there for longer than just two weeks in order to fully immerse myself in the culture. The Engineering in Germany program perfectly suited my wants and needs: not only did I fulfill my desire to return to Europe, but I also made progress towards my major, traveled and learn with other Miami students and faculty, and engaged in excursions to sites that interest me. Clearly, I am very excited about this once in a lifetime program that I got to experience. I can't wait to see how it will continue to help me in my profession, academics, and personal life, and what I can bring back to Miami to share with classmates in following semesters. |
The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute I am a member of The Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute Cohort 2 through Miami University's College of Engineering and Computing. The mission of the institute is "to develop students who are committed to a lifetime of leadership learning and who will flourish in their professions and lives by thinking strategically, working with others to find innovative approaches, effectively communicating their ideas and leading with purpose". It is a three year development program in which each of the 20 selected students designs a personal leadership plan and is partnered with a mentor. Mentorship under these experienced leaders will allow the students to receive guidance and first-hand accounts of the field that they would like to pursue.
Working in any engineering industry requires abilities besides just math and science: engineers must also be able to communicate ideas and work effectively with others. Interdisciplinary teams are involved in the stages that turn ideas into reality, from designers to testers to manufacturers. The cohort program will undoubtedly help my career because it relates directly to engineering and leadership. The program will help me develop as a leader that will prosper by working collaboratively with others, communicating ideas in a professional way, and thinking critically to find creative solutions to society’s most complex problems. |