Engineering the Future: Edward’s Story

After spending three years performing military-style routines for his high school’s drill team, Edward is adept at precision. That same attention to detail serves him well in his pursuit of an engineering education, a trade that interests him because it requires applying physics and math to mechanical designs. From playing video games to 3D printing, Edward enjoys being creative in and outside the classroom.

College: University of Nevada, Reno, studying Mechanical Engineering

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  I have been inspired to pursue a career in STEM after participating in my manufacturing course for four years in high school. The class first taught me about mechanical design and interpreting engineering drawings. I began 3D modeling with real-world software, like Solidworks and Fusion 360, and that’s when I began recreating the models from engineering drawings and started making my own parts after some experience. Later, when I learned about other manufacturing technologies like 3D printing, Lazercutting, and CNC machining, and how to use them to create parts and models, I was fascinated by this design and manufacturing process. This experience of bringing computer models to 3D models has made me excited to chase this career. In mechanical engineering, I am excited to design new solutions to everyday or specific problems that require research, prototyping, and final considerations. I am excited to learn more about mechanical design and apply physics and math to my designs.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  This scholarship would significantly support my journey toward becoming a mechanical engineer by easing the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus more on hands-on learning, research opportunities, and design innovation. Because I could focus on engineering rather than college payments, I can improve my skills in 3D modeling and manufacturing while also learning about mechanical engineering. Within my field, I hope to deepen my knowledge in engineering and eventually contribute to the additive manufacturing field to reduce cost and time in manufacturing processes, but create sustainable designs. I want to make a difference not just by building efficient systems, but by mentoring others and promoting engineering as a creative and collaborative field for solving society’s most pressing challenges. I want to participate in outreach programs to help middle and high school students to understand engineering and be prepared in taking a career within STEM.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My biggest supporter throughout my education is my dad.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  I’m most excited about creating personal projects in UNR’s Maker Space using their CNC mills and 3D printers. I cannot wait to join the Nevada Racing team and other engineering clubs. I want to collaborate with students and professors on real-world problems. On a personal level, I’m looking forward to waking up at 7 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. during my school week and meeting my roommates. Above all, I am thrilled to be part of many communities in college and network with professors, students, and potential employers.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  One fun fact about me that many do not expect from someone pursuing Mechanical Engineering is that I participated in my NJROTC’s Armed Drill Team for 3 years and went to Nationals twice. I’ve performed military-style drill routines and led my own squad of four in exhibition performances that featured synchronized rifle spins and precise, coordinated movements.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  If I could instantly learn any skills before college, it would be verbal articulation because it would allow me to explain myself more clearly to anyone I meet. As a future engineer, I believe communication and speaking is a key skill alongside technical skills because it would allow me to communicate to various audiences and explain complex concepts clearly to people who don’t know. Also, socially, it would help me feel confident when talking to new peers.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  In this free day, I would take a walk outside while jamming to my Latin pop playlist. I would also look at design challenges in Makerworld or Printables to see what I want to design, which sometimes are a solution to a prompt or making a decoration for Mother’s Day. Also, I would watch a movie with my family to spend time with them. I would play Roblox with my little sister or play with her toys. Lastly, I would lift some weights and end my day by watching YouTube on my bed.