11/16/2020 Interview by Maddie Yang 2 min read
Written by Interview by Maddie Yang
Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez is a transfer student from Scott Community College in Riverdale, Iowa. As a full-time student, Rodriguez-Lopez also works full-time for Keysight Technologies—an electronics test equipment manufacturer that produces many electronic tools used in scientific laboratories—where he is on their Research and Development Team.
Rodriquez-Lopez spoke about his experiences so far in MechSE and at UIUC.
Q: Can you give me a little background about yourself? Where are you from? What made you choose to come to Illinois? Why do you want to study mechanical engineering?
A: I am from Mexico but have lived in Illinois for the last 21 years. I came to Illinois because of its attractive engineering programs. I am studying mechanical engineering so that I am able to obtain a career in the design and manufacture of electric vehicles.
Q: What are you involved in here at Illinois? Do you have a favorite class or professor?
A: I am not involved in anything at Illinois. My full-time job at Keysight Technologies keeps me pretty busy during the semester. My favorite class would have to be my fields and waves class because it is a very challenging course but also a very interesting course.
Q: Can you talk about your work for Keysight Technologies?
A: I am heavily involved with the research and development team at Keysight Technologies. I have many responsibilities, which include designing of optical tools and FEA, to name a few. Due to confidentiality, I cannot share many details.
Q: What is your plan for after graduation?
A: I hope to execute my plan of launching a start-up with a focus on transportation, which is something I have been wanting to do for a long time but never had the time to.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Illinois or Urbana-Champaign?
A: I like the environment in Urbana-Champaign.
Q: Any fun facts about yourself or something you’d like to add?
A: I love reading books, articles, etc. on electromagnetics. I developed an interest in electromagnetics after reading a book on Nikola Tesla, and I plan on taking courses that target that specific subject.