Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1523825
16 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2024 Dylan Nguyen grew up with a father who worked as a mechanical engineer, and he's been exploring his engineering interests through FIRST Robotics programs. Now, having com- pleted his first year at Oregon State University, Dylan is rethinking his mechanical engineering path as he becomes exposed to the wide range of disciplines in engineering, known collec- tively as mechatronics. In this interview, we talk to Dylan about his interests and experiences in his engineering studies and how, uniquely enough, this expo- sure has opened his eyes to the possibilities of becoming a PCB designer. Andy Shaughnessy: Dylan, what has been your expe- rience as a first-year student at Oregon State University? Exploring the Interdisciplinary World of Mechatronics Dylan Nguyen: I am declared as a mechanical engineer major which requires that I take certain classes. But at Oregon State, there's been a new emphasis on mechatronics, meaning that one should have a broad understanding of different aspects of engineering, not just one discipline. ere are many aspects of engineering, including mechanical, soware, electronics, and electrical. Mechatronics says that engi- neers, no matter their specific discipline, should have some proficiency in all these disciplines. I am completing my first year of the mechani- cal engineering program and taking the mecha- tronics curriculum. So far, we have worked in project development, soldering, and worked on Arduinos and Adafruit boards—things I wouldn't normally do as a mechanical engi- neer. is whole idea Feature Interview by the I-Connect007 Editorial Team