November Engineer of the Month Dreams Big

Students often dream of what life will look like after graduation; how they will use their education and skills to better the world, and how their contributions will change lives.

Stephen Higgins, the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science's Engineer of the Month for November, shares that same wonder as he looks forward to making a difference.

“Looking at how far technology has come in the last 100 years makes me incredibly excited to be a part of the developments made in the coming century,” says Higgins. As an aerospace engineer, Stephen says, “I get this big grin on my face thinking what it might be like to tell my kids one day, 'Yes, I worked on that aircraft.'”

Higgins is a junior in the aerospace ACCEND program in which he will earn both a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in just five years.

“As a kid I always loved math and science. … The problems usually have only one right answer, but there always seems to be multiple ways to finding a solution,” explains Higgins. The creative thinking needed in engineering keeps Higgins' interest sparked and provides exciting motivation as he works through difficult situations.

Many of those challenges present themselves in his co-op placement with Quartus Engineering. “My co-op experience has been very fulfilling. The work itself is very interesting and requires a great attention to detail.”

Higgins explains that he cannot fully disclose the kind of work he is performing at Quartus but that it “relates to static analysis of aerospace vehicles using the tools provided by Finite Element Analysis software” (a computerized method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world forces).

On top of earning two degrees in five short years and earning professional experience through cooperative education, Higgins also maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. This accomplishment cannot be over-exaggerated as it is a rare, extremely challenging and incredible mark of success.

Higgins explains, “Having the ability to gain work experience prior to graduating gives me a huge advantage over other engineers entering the field.”

Graduating with experience already in hand is a great contributor to the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s high job placement rating. Those who seek to work in the engineering field find their place, often with multiple offers and great, competitive pay.

Also aiding in Higgins’ job search is his experience with undergraduate research. Stephen participated in the Academic Year Research Experience for Undergraduates (AY-REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation.

He says, “Out of all my academic experiences here at UC, none top the feeling of accomplishment I had after completing my final presentation for the AY-REU program this past spring.

“My partner and I explored the potential of using certain logic systems to solve a wide area search problem. We both took different approaches to solving the problem, and each had a solution with unique strengths. The combination of both is powerful.”

Again, Higgins’ interest is ignited by the possibility of creative solutions. He puts forth great effort in thinking outside the box; a skill that is only sharpened by his co-op placements.

Higgins looks forward to another year at the University of Cincinnati; a place where he says, “I fell in love with the campus and immediately felt like I belonged.” Representing UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, Higgins continues to follow his passion and dream big as this month’s Engineer of the Month.