C A R N E G I E ME L L O N D E PA RTME N T O F ME C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G


Students See theWorld as Engineers M


ore and moreMechE students are choosing to study abroad during their undergraduate careers. Inter- national study offers a chance to explore engineering from a global perspective,while in the midst of new cultures and locales.Over the past year,18MechE students have studied or worked abroad all over the world, from New Zealand to Norway.The following three students found their study abroad experiences unforgettable.


EngineeringWith a FrenchTwist Senior Alexandra Cirillo spent her Spring semester at Georgia Tech-Lorraine, learning about engineering and other topics amidst the yellow limestone architecture ofMetz,France. While living in the campus’


SeniorAlexandra Cirillo stands in front of Notre Dame Cathedral during her study abroad.


mini-apartments,Cirillo was surrounded by French graduate students eager to exchange cultural knowledge.Cirillo learned tips for making crepes and which European cities to visit.Learning French, however,was a bit trickier. “It was too easy not to learn


French,”Cirillo says.“Allmy classes were in English, and everyone I saw on a daily basis spoke English fluently.” Without a difficult language barrier to cross,Cirillo could focus


on classes, amix ofmechanical engineering and humanities.On the weekends,however,Cirillo used her Eurorail pass to explore Europe. While not completely sure of her after-graduation plans,Cirillo now knows she definitely wants to work abroad. “Being there, I know I could do it,”Cirillo says.“I highly encourage anyone and everyone to study abroad.”


Junior Laura Gurwitz visited the famed SydneyOpera House in Australia.


Energy Innovation in theOutback For six weeks this summer, junior Laura Gurwitz traveled through various parts ofAustralia, learning about energy efficiency and renew- able energy, as part of Study Australia’s study abroad program, “EnergyTomorrow:An Engineering andManagement Perspective.” Through lectures and labs from international energy experts, the


programfocused on ways to utilize alternative energy sources, such as photovoltaic systems,wind power,batteries, and biofuels.Gurwitz hopes to implement these ideas in her future work atMechE. “As an engineer,your job is to help find solutions to societies’ problems with technology.Duringmy time abroad, I was exposed to


Senior David Cassel poses with a performer for the annual Filipino festival Dinagyang,while in the Philippines.


a different society with different problems—and new, interesting solutions to these problems,”Gurwitz says.“These new problems and solutions are helpingme think of new ideas for engineering projects I’mworking on.” While weekly problemsets and a final project kept Gurwitz busy,


shemanaged to take advantage of several tours, including a visit to KakaduNational Park and amemorable scuba diving trip.Gurwitz highly encourages other students to study abroad, especially her MechE peers. “You will learnmore and havemore fun than during any other point in your college career,”she says.


Experiencing Both Sides of the Philippines Senior David Cassel spent his study abroad experience in the Philippines expanding his horizons and immers- ing himself in the Filipino culture. Cassel departed for two


semesters, spending a total of six months taking courses atAteneo de ManilaUniversity inManila.He spent an additional fourmonths volunteering at a hospital,while living in rural backcountry. “I got to see both sides of the


country,”Cassel says.“The university was the school for the elite,but then I saw the rural side of the country too,which was completely different.” While at the university,Cassel


enjoyed learning new subjects and traveling on weekends.Hemade several trips to Singapore,where he witnessed the first FormulaOne NightRace held there last fall. After completing his coursework,Casselmoved to the rural part


of the country,where he volunteered at a hospital while living with a doctor.Cassel worked closely with doctors and patients while participating in several servicemissions. “I learned things you can’t get fromlabs and classrooms,”Cassel


says of the experience. After graduation,Cassel plans to attendmedical school, a career


choice confirmed by his work in the Philippines.Cassel hopes to concentrate in globalmedicine and initiatives.•


C A R N E G I E M E C H I 7


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