A professor's influence and a piece of advice

QWho has influenced your college career?

One of the most influential individuals that I’ve interacted as a student in Grainger Engineering has been a professor and mentor of mine, Professor Banerjee. I got connected with Prof. Banerjee as part of the Illini Solar Car team as he is an advisor to the team and leads the solar car class that goes with it. Prof. Banerjee is an amazing teacher that really challenges students to be the best that they can be. Perhaps the greatest takeaway from all of his lessons is to always be asking why. He has taught me to always look for purpose and seek understanding in whatever task big or small. My best memories of Professor Banerjee always involve his warm smile. Whether it be while having difficult conversations in his office, or after midnight in the ECEB atrium following one of his famous ice cream exams, Prof. Banerjee always knows how to find good and positivity in any situation.

Photo Credit: Vaibhav Makar

QWhat advice do you have for students starting their Grainger Engineering journey?

The start of college is certainly an exciting time, along with many new experiences it brings new freedoms, opportunities and challenges. Finding the balance to manage and make the most of all of these things can define your college experience. My advice to incoming students would be to find opportunities and experiences that they are most passionate about and to pursue those things with determination. For example, if you’re really interested in physics and outer space, join a research group or one of the many space technology RSOs. There is something for everyone at the University of Illinois. For me, I found an opportunity as part of the Illini Solar Car team to combine my interests in engineering, race cars, and sustainable technology into creating a solar powered electric car. When pursuing new opportunities don’t watch from the sidelines, dive in, go out of your comfort zone. At the same time as it’s important to dive deep into your interests, don’t forget to explore. College features a wide variety of people and unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. College is a time to learn, the best way to learn is by doing and experiencing new things. Find new opportunities, have fun and try not to stress too much in the process.