I spoke with Maya Shvab, a Junior majoring in ASTE who spoke to her experience in the major and at USC. She has found that USC has allowed her to pursue her unique passions in both astronautical engineering and horseback riding.
Question: Why did you pick ASTE as your major? What drew you to ASTE at USC specifically?
Answer: I picked astronautical engineering because it was one of the only schools in the United States which offered a program that was dedicated to engineering for space systems such as rockets and satellites. At the time, I was very interested in working on launch vehicles and I was excited about the rich selection of classes that this program offered. Doing this major at USC was an easy choice due to the variety of activities outside of classes—such as the infamous Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, and the multitude of research laboratories dedicated to space propulsion.
Question: What do you hope to do after graduating from USC?
Answer: After graduating from USC, I hope to get my masters back home in Canada. I’m excited to expand upon the research I’m currently doing in a new lab. I also hope to be able to travel more over the summer and spend some time at home with my friends and horses.
Question: Expand on what you do in your lab?
Answer: I work in the wind tunnel where my primary research focuses on investigating flow—particularly boundary layer separation—of a NACA 65(1)-412 airfoil. I’m currently continuing the work I’ve started in the fall, which was to manufacture and test a tripped wing and then compare our results with previously existing acoustically actuated flows. We’re attempting to discern the best and most efficient methods of tripping wind flow and causing boundary layer separation. It’s a great environment and I’m fortunate to work with very smart and lovely people.
Question: What are you involved in outside of academics?
Answer: When I’m not busy in class or doing homework, I love participating in USC’s workout classes. They are a great way to remain active and meet new people. I’m also the President of the Equestrian Team and I look forward to working with our horses and get some fresh air during busy weeks. USC has so many clubs and activities that you’ll never get bored. I’ve done escape rooms by EscapeSC, watched showcases from Makers, and attended fundraisers from clubs my friends are into. I’ve also been working at the Dryden Wind Tunnel since my freshman year, conducting experiments on airfoils and propeller blades.
Question: Is any part of your experience different as an international student?
Answer: Somewhat; though everyone at USC is so different that you hardly feel like an outsider. First-year dorms are all so tight-knit that you end up meeting a multitude of people from different countries and backgrounds. It’s been really fun to explore the American culture, especially when it’s so rich and vibrant in Los Angeles. USC also does a great job of helping international students and highlighting different nationalities. There are frequent events and career fairs specifically for us, as well as dedicated groups for learning languages.
Fight On!
