Nina is a senior mechanical engineering student at Andrews University. She is currently working with Robert Jewett and Brian Booth on their senior Design Project for Physics Enterprises, a non-profit organization at Andrews which designs and manufactures unique and affordable teaching equipment for classroom demos and science labs throughout the United States and the world.
Their specific Design Project is focused on designing and building an automated rod cutter for one of the products which Physics Enterprises manufactures. Nina said, “So far during this project, I have learned how to correspond with companies to obtain quotes and order materials. I’ve also learned to understand and seek appropriate compromises between cost, ideal mechanism, and the clients’ specifications. Designing and building the system has helped me to improve my technical hands-on skills, CAD skills and simulation skills.”
Another area which Nina is passionate about is obtaining and doing internships during the summers between her Engineering coursework. She said, “I interned twice during my college career. My first internship was for UTC in France. This experience was my first exposure to industrial work. It helped me build my resume with experience, which led to my second internship at Cummins Inc. in Indiana. During this second internship, I was given more responsibility, and as a result of my hard work I was offered a full-time position after graduation.”
Nina advises future engineering students not to put off looking for internships. She said, “The way I got my internship was by going to conventions. Even if you are not looking for an internship, it is crucial that you start going to conventions and seminars as a freshman so you have a feel of what you should be prepared for. Also, get involved with engineering clubs. I've found that employers are impressed by leadership skills displayed through these extracurricular activities.”
Return to Projects