[2015/6/18] Mechanical Engineers as a Mechanic?

Written by Pilwon Hur (2015/6/18)

This morning, I went to a mechanic shop for vehicle inspection. Surprisingly, I met Mark Eckstein who is currently working in my lab (HUR Group) as an undergrad researcher during this summer. Mark also took my control class (MEEN 364) in the Spring semester. Mark works in a Mechanic Shop in the morning and goes to the lab for research for the afternoon. He is very passionate for developing virtual rehabilitation system using Unity3D, Oculus Rift and Leap Motion.

My personal opinion (also as a ME professor) is that mechanical engineering students need to have at least some knowledge of cars with a minimum experiences of changing engine oil. Similarly, it was very surprising to hear that some electrical engineering students do not have soldering experiences. At least to me, students with hands-on experiences seemed to have better problem-solving abilities. Therefore, whenever opportunities are allowed, please try to have hands-on skills. Let alone the knowledge of majors.

The following are pictures of me when I was working on Transmission and Clutch on my manual-shift Cavalier.