Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Building a model roller coaster helped expose how engineering shapes the world around us by creating tools, structures, and innovative solutions. A career in Mechanical Engineering aligns with my strength in maths and physics, allowing me to contribute to technological innovations such as designing energy-efficient systems and developing sustainable transportation solutions.

In a class called Intro to Engineering, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in applying theoretical concepts to real-world projects. This provided me with opportunities to design and build various projects ranging from cars to spaceships. Using a tool called TinkerCad and programming editors like Eclipse, I was able to take my abstract ideas and build them into functional models, including a construction claw machine. This allowed me to test my designs and refine them iteratively, deepening my theoretical knowledge of fundamental engineering principles, which I am eager to continue developing at university.

After designing a car, I became interested in learning about aerodynamics, a field central to flight and Formula One, both having a strong dependance on wings and aerodynamics. Reading Babinsky’s article, ‘How do Wings Work?’, I learnt that lift is more complex than Bernoulli’s principle alone - it involves factors like angle of attack, pressure differences, and airflow behaviour around aerofoils. Understanding the scientifically accurate explanation of lift helped me connect aerodynamic theory to practical applications such as vehicle design and energy efficiency. I am excited to tackle complex challenges whilst studying Mechanical Engineering at university where I can continuously learn and innovate, solving real world problems by enhancing performance and efficiency in designs.

Participating in a National Competition called Technological Student Association Tests of Engineering Aptitudes, Maths and Science allowed me to apply theoretical principles such as Newton’s Laws of Motion and conservation of energy to design a model roller coaster with a limited set of materials. This involved calculating an optimal range for velocity and acceleration to ensure smooth and controlled motion, and a competitive performance. This project highlighted the importance of efficiency in engineering, as seen in Formula One’s performance optimisation. To further my understanding, I taught myself programming languages like Python and Java, which I applied to design a functional social media site, highlighting how coding and problem-solving interact with engineering to tackle complex problems. At university, I aim to apply these interdisciplinary skills to develop technological solutions, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

My extracurricular activities have also honed skills essential for engineering. As Vice President for Youth Creates, I led a team of ten in organising tutoring programs, and charity events strengthening my communication skills. Tutoring primary students through Learning Link, developed my ability to simplify complex topics, while teaching Chinese as an assistant allowed me to share the language and culture I studied for eight years. Boy Scouts taught me problem-solving and leadership, which I demonstrated in my Eagle Scout Project, leading 17 volunteers to renovate a school garden. Playing the saxophone in my school’s marching band and winning several regional titles taught me discipline. I also joined football and badminton clubs improving my time management. These experiences prepared me to work with diverse groups of people, solving problems under pressure - skills which will become invaluable in my career.

Studying Mechanical Engineering will allow me to stay at the cusp of technological advancement. I hope to use my knowledge gained at university to advance the efficiency and functionality of mechanical systems. With clear goals and a strong determination to overcome challenges, I know that Mechanical Engineering is the course for me.