Matthew

Activities

• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) – organization dedicated to the enrichment of the Hispanic community with an emphasis on helping students succeed in science and engineering

One-on-One

Where is your favorite spot on campus to study?
3rd Floor of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory in cold weather  and the Bardeen Quad art structure when it’s nice outside

Where is your favorite spot on campus to hang out with your friends?
SHPE Office (103A Engineering Hall)

Where is your favorite spot on campus to relax?
On the Bardeen Quad or in the SHPE Office

What do you like most about your major?
I feel as a mechanical engineer, I will be prepared to handle a wide variety of challenges.  We learn a great deal about fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermal-dynamics, and other core fields. In general, with a mechanical engineering degree from the U of I, I feel I can go anywhere and do anything.

What are your favorite courses within your major?
ME401: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning taught by Emad Jassim was a class where I learned concrete information applicable to everyday life. If only I knew how to build a dorm room AC unit freshman year…

What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?
I work and have worked in three different research labs since I began here. I have done research in two-phase flow visualization, heat transfer, and oil hold up in two-phase flow under evaporation and condensation conditions, and particle acoustophoresis in fluid filled polymeric tubes. Currently, I am working on a project dealing with heat transfer moduling for two-phase flow in microchannes under evaporation and condensation conditions. I'm also involved in the University's solar decathlon team.  I'm on the refrigerator and freezer design team. My favorite activity is FIRST Lego League.  I am mentoring my fourth Lego League team. This program aims to inspire youth in science and engineering through a Lego robotics competition. It's a lot of fun!

What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?
There’s nothing like playing Ultimate Frisbee with a few friends.  A movie from Rentertainment is always a great choice, as well. Illinites and multicultural events at the Illini Union are the most amazing, random experiences ever - Indian dancing and country line dancing are awesome!

Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
When I first arrived I played Frisbee several times a day, and one
day after a great game, I walked into the dorms and a bunch of people were coming out and invited me to go Quad Sliding. Awesome fun - think slip-and-slide with no limits.

What is your advice for students interested in Illinois?
Illinois has everything you need.  If you want to have a ton of fun with friends and if you want to be a super star and join an all-star research team and get to work, Illinois is the place for you. Prepare to enjoy life and get ready for a bright future at Illinois.

Why do you belong at Illinois?
I can be a geek and do research, volunteer to promote engineering, and have a lot of fun.