Suhanisi was involved in a project
determining whether current engineering education curricula in
the USA are adequate to prepare graduates for a global
engineering environment.
How did you get involved in research?
After doing labwork for my class, it only made sense for me to do a research
project next. I searched on the UROP website and found a great project. I sent
the faculty advisor an email indicating my interest and when he responded, we
met. I talked to him about his project, my interests, and any possibilities we
could have working together. From there, things just came into place.
How has participating in research impacted your education?
Undergraduate research has provided a valuable learning experience which will
enrich my complete education at UM-Flint. Through research, I have developed
skills and had experiences that will help me no matter where I am.
What has been the most satisfying aspect of your research experience?
The close relationships I built with the faculty and other students. Each week
we all met to discuss the project, our results, and how to improve things. I was
a little nervous at first when it came to the other students on the project. But
I really had fun once I got to know them all.
What are your future plans? How has participating in research helped you in
preparing for those future plans?
I plan to finish my BS degree and go onto a master's degree in either
Engineering or Physics. I would also like to get a PhD while working in the
engineering field.
What advice would you give to students interested in being involved in
research?
Pick the best time you can to participate in a
research project. With your classes, club involvement, and work it's important
to find the time to devote to the project. You can also start looking for
projects by searching on the UROP site, but visiting departmental websites, but
reading faculty articles, and finally by actually going to faculty's offices and
let them know you're interested. They won't know until you say something.
