Fernando Rojas – Community Engagement Board Member
Jose Fernando Rojas Sanchez, PhD Candidate, University of Michigan
Field of Study: Aerospace Engineering
RUA Affiliation: Community Engagement Board Member, Research Exchange and RUA22 Conference Participant
What are you currently studying and why did you choose it?
I currently work in aerospace engineering. Aerospace is a very fulfilling engineering field with exciting challenges and thrilling applications. There is no other thing that I rather do for a living than develop and fly airplanes, and maybe rockets someday.
Why did you choose to participate in RUA activities?
Because of the opportunities that it offers for my career growth. The network and resources that RUA has provided me will certainly play a pivotal role in enabling me to fully leverage my potential as I transition to the next phase of my career following the completion of my PhD.
What is a highlight of your RUA participation?
The opportunity to spend some time as a visiting student in a lab of my interest was highly invaluable. I was able to learn new research techniques, make great professional connections, and get a good sense of what it would be like to join that group.
What advice do you have for graduate students or postdocs?
Frequently conduct informational interviews with people in positions that you would like to have when you graduate. This will give you a very good idea of what is like to be in these positions, and what skills you should be developing right now to get there. Even better if you can visit the places like in the RUA research exchange program.
What’s one thing that you think everyone should read?
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences with RUA?
I am very thankful for the opportunities it has provided me!
