Robin De Lara

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Major:
Materials Science and Engineering

Year:
Junior

Hometown:
Round Lake, IL

Executive Positions:
  • President
    (FALL 2020)
  • Off-Campus Exec.
    (SPRING 2020)

Other extracurricular activities:

  • Grainger Undergraduate Programs Office Assistant
  • Earthquake Engineering Research Institute

Research/Internship/Co-op experience:

  • Bollinger, Lach, and Associates
    Project Engineer
    (MAY 2019 - AUGUST 2019)

Why Illinois?

My brother is a huge inspiration in my life, making me who I am today. He studied here and I wanted to follow in his footsteps as an engineer just like him.

What has been your best experience at Illinois?

Meeting all of the people here as well as helping them when needed. Whether it is collaborating on group projects, helping out the advisors with small tasks or organizing events, I'm happy that I get to interact with so many amazing people here at Illinois.

Favorite part about being an engineering student?

Tackling difficult problems and projects as well as the satisfaction of finally completing it all. This brings satisfaction because I know my hard work and effort will bring a greater change to the world once I'm prepared.

Why did you join EA?

My brother pestered me to join his hip, new club and I agreed to apply and soon after, I got in. I'm happy he pushed me to join EA because it allows me to express my passion for teaching as well as changing the conversation around engineering. This organization has so many opportunities for you to grow as a person and that cannot be overstated. Also, the advisors are amazing compared to my other RSO's.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a STEM degree?

Try to balance your life out by doing things outside of your education. Join a club, party it up, play Minecraft with your friends on a Friday night until 3 AM. Your education is important but so is your well-being.

What do you plan on doing post-graduation?

Following my dreams at graduate school here at Illinois. Hopefully, this will lead to my dream job at NASA!