Rafael Whynman is a junior and an electrical engineering major at Boise State. In Spring 2025, he also received the IFITS Research and Creative Activity Scholarship, when he worked with and was mentored by Karthik Srinivasan. Srinivasan is Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and mentored Rafael on a project that involved thermo-optic modelling to improve data handling capabilities.
Rafael says that his undergraduate research journey began with a curious mind and asking lots of questions. We reached out to Rafael and Srinivasan to learn more (responses have been edited for clarity).
Rafael Whynman
What was your motivation for doing undergraduate research?
I joined Boise State University in Spring 2024 with plans of attaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. However, it was that same spring that I became acquainted with Dr. Srinivasan and another student, Camden Webster. Camden and I would frequently attend office hours and hold discussions with Dr. Srinivasan. It was through this shared pursuit of learning that he introduced us to our first project: a Nerf Turret with two degrees of motion. Despite having little to no knowledge of wiring, programming, and 3D printing, Camden and I completed the project and went on to improve the design with an infrared sensor.
This project marked my first introduction to the field of research and what it means to learn independently and make incremental improvements. The full range of experiences – excitement, frustration, failures, and successes – made the project deeply worthwhile.
It was thereafter that Dr. Srinivasan invited us to sit in on research updates for his lab. There, I was introduced to cutting-edge work with a heavy emphasis on microfabrication, magnetics, and photonics. By the end of 2024, my plans shifted. I was hooked on the idea of getting a PhD.
I developed the motivation to pursue undergraduate research through the support of great mentors, hardworking peers, and innate curiosity. This motivation has proven invaluable when work becomes difficult – as it often does. If I had to identify my single strongest motivator in the pursuit of undergraduate research, it would be curiosity that these experiences and individuals helped me cultivate. Despite my initial plans, I was placed in the fortunate enough position to explore and harness new skills. This sense of exploration is something I aspire to provide for others as a future graduate student and contributor to society.
What challenges or barriers, if any, did you face throughout the process?
While pursuing undergraduate research, I encountered a variety of challenges, the most notable being a fear of failure. Over time, however, failure has proven to be one of the most important parts of the research process. Through failure I have learned so much and have grown as both a researcher and individual. Without failure, it becomes very difficult to make any kind of progress, as failure provides the necessary insights to recalibrate, refine, and move forward.
This is not to say that one should actively seek failure, but rather that one should set aside perfectionism, and seek to take simple steps forward. The small and simple steps often provide more insight than any perfect final design ever could. I still have much to learn about conducting high-quality research, but I have been able to grow from my failures and will continue to do so in the hope of one day making a meaningful contribution to my field of research.
What is one word of advice you have for undergraduate researchers?
Consistency. Consistency is a value that pays dividends when paired with dedicated time and effort. By consistently showing up to the lab I have been able to grow as an undergrad and individual. Dr. Srinivasan provided opportunities to work on meaningful projects, and progress was only possible through a sustained effort and constant desire to learn.
This is especially true for engineering majors, as the constant pressure of classes can weigh heavily on our schedules. I have found that the antidote to this pressure is sustained, intentional effort. Even when progress feels minimal compared to an ever-growing list of responsibilities, taking small consistent steps forward is how meaningful work gets done.
Karthik Srinivasan
Can you share your experience working with Rafael?
Rafael began working in my research group in the Summer of 2024 on a robotics project. What began as a hobby project very quickly emerged as an opportunity for both Rafael and me to engage in conversations about current research projects in the group. Soon after, Rafael began working on a thermo-optical modeling project, where he explored the role of different electrical inputs to produce controlled heating of certain optical materials, with applications in photonic computing. In the recent semester, Rafael has been involved in a biosensors project and is also assisting a graduate student with setting up new optical experiments in the lab. Rafael is clearly a student of many talents and, more importantly, has the “can do it” attitude that is crucial for research. He is thoughtful, meticulous, and does not shy away from asking questions.
What is some advice you have for undergraduate researchers?
Be curious. Many students often spend the entirety of their undergraduate programs without exploring the world of research opportunities that exist outside the classrooms. I encourage all undergraduate students to at least spend one semester conducting a research project in a lab at the university.
Once you are in a research capacity, be curious. Ask questions, even if they seem obvious, because you never know when a seemingly simple question can lead to a whole new research direction. Research opportunities are an investment that the university and faculty make in a few students, and if you are one of them, use these opportunities to catapult yourselves to new heights of success.