Austin Chan

Major:
Engineering Mechanics

Year:
Super-Senior

Hometown:
Orange County, CA

Other extracurricular activities:
Climbing club
Photography

Research/Internship/Co-op experience:
Prof. Shelby Hutchens' Soft Solids Group
Undergraduate Researcher
Summer 2018

Why Illinois?
Illinois offered me the unique opportunity to pursue engineering at one of the top engineering colleges in the US and see extended family relatively often.

What has been your best experience at Illinois?
My best experience at Illinois has been climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, Arkansas.

Favorite part about being an engineering student?
I enjoy problem solving and finding unique, out of the box solutions to complex problems. Homework, not so much.

Why did you join EA?
I joined EA because I have a passion for people and for outreach. I think it's really important that children hear from someone first hand that engineering is not JUST for the super geniuses who are really good at school.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a STEM degree?
Keep pushing forward. Earning a STEM degree is a long and arduous process, but if you work hard and focus, it won't totally destroy you.

What do you plan on doing post-graduation?
I plan on moving back to California and working in the industry in order to earn my Professional Engineer (PE) license. After that, I'll either pursue an MBA or possibly go into consulting.