Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Andrew Russell
After growing up without any formal education, going back and catching up in school seemed unachievable for me. Not wanting to be in that position any longer, I made an abrupt decision to enroll at the only place that would accept me: a community college. This meant I was effectively starting my entire life’s education at age sixteen. This was of course, a rough transition, but I treated it like any of my other passions and didn’t back down from a challenge. Within one year, I went from multiplication tables to calculus, and another year later I transferred to Boise State with my sights set on engineering.
With the guidance of Dr. Krishna Pakala, I quickly developed a strong interest in thermal-fluid sciences, primarily fluid dynamics. This interest led me to Dr. Todd Otanicar’s research lab, where I have studied the effect of temperature on abrasion erosion for the past two and a half years. My experiences both as a student and as a researcher at Boise State have inspired me to further my studies by pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering with hopes of eventually working in spacecraft propulsion. At the time of writing this, I have not yet decided where I will be attending, but am very excited to see where I end up.
I would like to thank the entire Mechanical Engineering department for this recognition and award. I’d also like to give a special thank you to my parents, Dr. Otanicar, and Dr. Pakala for all their support, as well as Kanye West for inspiring me to always believe in myself even when others don’t.