Student Spotlight

We often hear that BYU’s College of Engineering is garnering world-wide acclaim. Rui Qian, a junior in Mechanical Engineering with a Computer Science Minor, proves the point. Rui, who hails from Beijing, China, has chosen to study engineering because she believes it is a good way to understand the world around us and how things work. By choosing to train her mind at BYU, Rui hopes to help improve that world. She explains that she wants to do that “by using my hands and my knowledge,” which is why “I think Mechanical Engineering is really good fit.” She loves the expanse of Mechanical Engineering, which she says “is a broad enough major to cover lots of aspects” allowing her to “learn the basic working principles of various machines, like refrigerators, cars or airplanes.”

Rui has an internship this summer with legendary engine and power generation manufacturer Cummins, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Indiana. Rui works remotely in the Central Packaging & Design unit where she assists with after-treatment computational fluid dynamics to various Cummins vehicle assembly and design projects. Rui admitted excitement for her opportunity to help “with the dimensional vibration analysis and some component conceptual design." 

Admittedly, Mechanical Engineering is a tough major; but that hasn’t scared Rui away. She advises that “You have to work really hard, you will have struggles, and you may even think this isn’t the right major for you.” Nevertheless, she is inspired by BYU’s Engineering Faculty and her fellow students that are doing great things in their respective disciplines.

Rui participated in the Research Mentorship Program during her sophomore year. “I liked getting to know how research works,” she explains. The research was under the direction of Dr. Killpack and Dr. Salmon. Rui and another research mentee, Ashley Howell, researched human robot co-manipulation on extended objects. They both earned the opportunity to present their research at the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research (“UCUR”) in February, 2020 at Utah State University.

When asked her favorite thing to do on campus, Rui said she loves going to the library. “I love to find a quiet spot, grab a book that I find interesting, and read.” Unfortunately, as a major in the College of Engineering, Rui does not enjoy much spare time. If she had more free time, Rui says she would love to do more hiking. She hopes to visit some National Parks this summer. She also enjoys hanging out with friends, playing the guitar, and watching YouTube tutorials and Netflix.

When asked what makes her unique among her fellow students in the College of Engineering, Rui thought for a moment. “A lot people see me as a minority because I am an international student, an Asian, a female, and not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” But she is quick to note that “I have always felt welcome at BYU even though I am different from other people.” Rui believes we all can make more progress to help people feel welcome in the College. “We should help people feel welcome and special, not different,” she shares. Rui is genuine in her expressions of gratitude for her Professors and classmates, many of whom know her name, her international story, and her inspiring hopes for the future. “Those are the people who have helped me feel very special and unique here.”

We are glad you are part of our community, Rui!