6/28/2022 Taylor Tucker
Meet Avant Mehta, mechanical design engineer for Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography and a volunteer ambassador for MechSE's M.Eng.ME program.
Written by Taylor Tucker
Avant Mehta’s stance on community service is shaped by Margaret Mead’s famous words, “We are at our best when we serve others.” The MechSE alum (M.Eng.ME ’21), who volunteers as a program ambassador for UIUC, is contracted as a mechanical design engineer in Wilton, Connecticut, for the Dutch equipment supplier ASML (Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography).
ASML is well known for manufacturing photolithography machines. “These are very large machines that pattern the finest details on microchips,” Mehta explained. “Microchips have become ubiquitous in modern technology, from computers to automotives and mobile devices. The odds are that the device you are currently using to read this article contains a microchip that was produced by an ASML machine.”
“ASML is a critical organization in the semiconductor industry, largely due to their pioneering of extreme ultraviolet photolithography systems. This is a very advanced and high-performing system that no other company can manufacture,” Mehta said. “Such systems have become even more crucial in the last few years due to the high demand of electronic devices that use microchips.”
Mehta’s decision to study engineering stemmed from a natural fondness for math and physics. “Graduate-level engineering classes were rigorous and challenging, but very worthwhile,” he said. “I focused on developing a strong work ethic and a high level of productivity that I now carry into the professional realm.”
Mehta earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, then came to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his master of engineering degree.
“The M.Eng.ME program at UIUC stood out to me due to its customizability, prestige, and focus on industry,” Mehta said. “By pursuing the design track of the program, I gained proficiency in skills pertinent to mechanical design engineering. The technology entrepreneurship classes were also very valuable as I developed my interpersonal skills and gained industry knowledge from top professionals.”
Mehta began serving as a program ambassador post-graduation, speaking with prospective and incoming students about engineering courses, career aspirations, and campus life. As an ambassador, he has hosted one-on-one counseling sessions with select incoming students and addressed larger audiences at online conferences. “My main motivation was to support the community that fostered me in my own career,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mehta’s career goals include becoming an engineering manager and continuing to develop technical skills through diverse engineering projects. “I enjoy interacting with people and spearheading teams,” he said. “I have a burning passion to be at the forefront of innovation, and I am glad that the M.Eng.ME program at UIUC launched me into a prosperous career. I highly recommend the program for aspiring engineers.”