What did you learn from your involvement in a research project?

My research project has given me hands on experience while exposing me to a field of research that I was not able to find through internships. I have learned a vast amount about mechanical design and control systems.

What does the experience mean to you personally?

This experience has allowed me to closely interact with professors and has given me direction towards what I want to do after college concerning a job. I want to work in cutting edge research in the future and this was a big step in working towards that goal. When I attend job interviews companies are always impressed with the hands on design experience that I have recieved through my research project and it automatically puts me one step above other applicants. There are also a lot of financial benefits including university scholarships for undergrads participating in undergraduate research.

What did you enjoy most about your research experience?

I was given a lot of freedom and made design choices at my discretion. The professors did not hold my hand, rather they allowed me to make choices so that my final project was a respresentation of my ideas and design decisions. Lastly, it is really great to look back on my undergraduate studies and have some to show for it other than just an education. I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom directly to real world design problems and learned a lot in the process, as one would in industry.