Professors Who Inspire and Support Their Students

Transcript

Okay, now, let’s hear from Isabella, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering. She’s had some cool research opportunities here at Mines, but that wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar professors who guide her through and push her to pursue her passions. Tell us more, Isabella.

– Salamat, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t get a lot of chances to study engineering, but I was always looking to study something new, innovative, and exciting. So when the opportunity came to pursue my PhD here at Mines, I jumped on it. Meeting my current research advisor, professor Leslie Lamberson, changed everything. She introduced me to a research field I never even knew existed. And now I get to do some of the coolest experiments on campus under one of the best professors in the field. I work at the Extreme Structures and Materials Lab where I break things at high speed, and use cameras that can image up to a million frames per second to observe material behavior under extreme conditions. With this research, I hope to develop better and stronger materials for aerospace applications. Professor Lamberson guided me from day one, and took a chance on a girl from the Philippines who didn’t know the first thing about aerospace. She inspired me to not only pursue my passion, but excel at it. Just like professor Lamberson, all the faculty and staff I’ve interacted with on campus are absolutely awesome, because they care about who you are and not just what you’re studying. Professors love bumping into students, whether it’s in the hallways, at the local climbing gym, or even breweries. Their faces light up when I see them on campus or around Golden, and that kind of interaction honestly makes my day. When I first moved to Colorado, I had no idea what to expect, and I’m glad I didn’t because everything here would have exceeded those expectations anyway. I truly feel like I’m part of the Mines family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I graduate, I feel confident that I will have the skills and support I need to contribute to the advancement of aerospace engineering. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Isabella, you are a rock star, and I’m so glad you’re able to find the support and inspiration you needed to thrive in your work here at Mines. Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers.