A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering provides students with the background suitable for employment in a wide variety of fields, including the energy industry, manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronics, etc. It is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in Engineering, Medicine, or Business Administration. Mechanical Engineers innovate in various fields from Nanotechnology to Aerospace Engineering.
Meet Arya B. Nair who is deeply passionate about mechanical engineering, influenced by her brother’s career and driven to explore innovative intersections. Her journey includes leadership roles at FIU, advocacy efforts at Capitol Hill, and hands-on experience at NASA. Balancing academic pursuits with personal growth, Arya prioritizes self-care. Beyond engineering, she thrives in dance and volunteers as a choreographer and drama director, championing art’s universal accessibility.
Hometown: I currently live in Lauderhill, Florida, but I spent a significant part of my childhood in Kerala, India, and Artesia, Los Angeles.
Degree/major: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose FIU CEC?
Life often takes unexpected turns, and choosing FIU was one of those moments for me. Initially, FIU was not in my plans. However, my economics teacher highlighted the financial benefits of attending FIU, and it made sense. At the same time, some loved ones were going through a tough period, and I needed to be there to support them. FIU’s proximity to my home made it an ideal choice, allowing me to pursue my education while being with my family.
Why did you choose your major?
My decision to pursue mechanical engineering was greatly influenced by my brother, who is a mechanical engineer. I was always fascinated by his discussions about the exciting projects he was involved in and the hands-on experience of essentially being a doctor for non-living things. This exposure to his work sparked my interest in engineering.
Did you always want to be an engineer?
Becoming an engineer was not part of my original plan. My initial dream was to become a medical doctor, preferably a criminal psychiatrist, as I believed that was the best way to help people. However, I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up my passion for physics and math by focusing solely on biology. That’s when I decided to pursue mechanical engineering, a field that offers a high degree of convergence while also allowing me to follow a pre-med path.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am eager to continue my journey of impacting lives through research. Pursuing a PhD would provide invaluable support in furthering this goal.
What clubs, student organizations or extracurricular activities do you recommend or are you part of? Internships?
I have had the privilege of being deeply involved in several impactful roles at FIU. Recently, I served as the Registered Student Organization Council President, overseeing all 253 organizations and clubs. My leadership journey began as the Executive Chair of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, where I organized a hair donation event for cancer patients. From there, I advanced to Vice President of the Student Support Service Club, dedicated to increasing graduation rates among underrepresented students. Additionally, I had the opportunity to advocate for TRIO policies on Capitol Hill.
I am currently interning at NASA Kennedy Space Center in the Applied Chemistry Lab, focusing on plasma technology for space applications. Concurrently, I have been a dedicated undergraduate research assistant for the Cell Met project since my freshman year, and I also served as a learning assistant for Engineering Economy last fall. These experiences have been instrumental in expanding my skills and knowledge in engineering and research.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student (so far)?
Maintaining a healthy balance and prioritizing self-care has been an ongoing journey throughout my engineering studies. There have been times when I found myself eating meals in my car while rushing to work or class, trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. I often tend to say ‘yes’ to everything, sometimes neglecting my own well-being and personal needs amidst my academic and professional endeavors.
What has been the most rewarding thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student (so far)?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a mechanical engineering student has been the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse majors and backgrounds. Through these collaborations, I have formed meaningful connections and friendships with people who bring different perspectives and skills to the table.
AI is playing a large role across all industry fields. Have you used AI to assist in your studies/work?
Yes, I’m at that point in my life where I could list AI prompt writing as a skill on my resume. It’s amusing that I primarily use ChatGPT for personal needs, like choosing the best tires for my car or even helping me process my thoughts and emotions, which are sometimes hard to share with others.
Any advice to prospective students thinking of majoring in engineering?
Be empathetic towards others as well as yourself. We are all mortal beings; why should we fill our lives with hatred and anger? Some people may be going through very difficult times that we may not fully understand. It’s nice to stop and ask a stranger, ‘How are you?’ This gesture can uplift them and benefit you as well. Just be kind and respect others—success will naturally follow. Additionally, be kind to the human inside you, nurturing your own well-being and happiness. And keep smiling!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a student?
My programming professor, Dr. Aaron Tallman, once said, ‘It’s totally okay to be wrong. You don’t have to be perfect or be someone else. It’s okay to do what you think is right for you—even if it may not be the perfect choice, do what you like.’
If you could have lunch/dinner with a famous engineering pioneer, who would it be? Why?
I would select Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, not only because of his role as an aeronautical engineer contributing to one of India’s top flight missions, but also because of his tenure as the President of India. I admire Dr. Kalam for his kindness and humility, qualities that garnered him widespread respect. His openness about his mistakes and the lessons he drew from them is truly inspiring. I would be eager to discuss with him how these traits shaped his engineering career and leadership, molding him into both a proficient engineer and a compassionate, humble individual.
When you’re not being an engineering student, what do you like to do?
Outside of my engineering studies, I have been deeply involved in volunteering as a choreographer and drama director for the past three years. Dance has been my passion since the age of four—a captivating realm where I find immense joy. I believe in the philosophy that neither money nor age should hinder anyone from pursuing art. Therefore, for the last three years, I have dedicated my time to teaching and performing for people of all age groups, and creatively designing costumes, all on a volunteer basis.