The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) is part of the College of Engineering and Computing at FIU and offers a curriculum which is designed to give our students a thorough understanding of the basic laws of science and to stimulate and develop creative thinking, a professional attitude, economic judgment and environmental consciousness.
Meet Gia Garino, a dedicated senior in mechanical engineering whose journey from Ecuador to FIU showcases her perseverance, academic excellence, and passion for advancing aerospace materials research.
Why did you choose FIU CEC?
Although FIU wasn’t my first choice or my dream college, staying here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I began at FIU, I was presented with an abundance of opportunities that have truly enriched my college experience. I’ve been able to dive into research, internships, and extracurricular activities that have shaped my academic and professional growth. The smaller class sizes at FIU have been especially beneficial, allowing me to form deeper connections with my professors, who have always been supportive and willing to mentor me. Beyond academics, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many interesting and driven people, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. FIU is a university that fosters innovation, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how it provides a platform for students to thrive if they seize the opportunities available to them. It’s a school that genuinely cares about the success of its students, and I’m grateful for the experiences and growth I’ve gained here.
Moreover, living in Miami has made me feel closer to home since most people here speak Spanish, and many share a Hispanic background. The cultural familiarity has made my transition to college life easier, providing a sense of belonging while I pursue my academic and professional goals.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose mechanical engineering because I’ve always been curious about how things work and how you can create something from just an idea. When I was a kid, Meet the Robinsons was one of the first things that got me thinking about engineering. Watching it made me so excited about the idea of building cool inventions and solving problems in ways nobody else had imagined.
That curiosity stuck with me and grew into a love for understanding how systems and materials work together, especially in aerospace. Mechanical engineering feels like the perfect way to turn those childhood dreams into real projects that make a difference.
Did you always want to be an engineer?
I didn’t always know I wanted to be an engineer, but I’ve always been curious about how things work and what makes the world tick. When it came time to choose my major, I was honestly scared—what if I picked something I wasn’t passionate about? My curiosity had me thinking about careers like being a neurosurgeon, economist, or even a lawyer.
But from all those options, engineering was the one that truly captured my heart. It just felt right—it combined everything I love about problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. No matter where my thoughts wandered, I always came back to engineering, and I’m so glad I followed that instinct.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m planning to take things one step at a time. I graduate this December, and while I don’t have everything figured out just yet, one thing I’m sure of is that I’d love to work in the aerospace or automotive field. I’m excited to find a job in a state with great weather where I can continue exploring my passion for engineering and innovation.
What clubs, student organizations, or extracurricular activities do you recommend or are you part of? Internships?
I recommend getting involved in clubs and student organizations that align with your interests. These can help you develop new skills, meet like-minded people, and explore different aspects of engineering. I’ve found that being around others who share the same passions really pushes me to grow and think outside the box. For instance, I joined the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), which gave me insights into how to build my resume and talk to recruiters at conferences.
Joining a research lab is also a great opportunity. I joined the Plasma Forming Laboratory as a freshman, where I worked on projects like Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and Ultra High-Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) for aerospace. Collaborating with postdocs and Ph.D. students was an incredible learning experience that expanded my knowledge and technical skills.
Internships are key as well. My internship at Caterpillar, where I designed and tested a collision avoidance harness kit, gave me hands-on experience that helped me apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects. I’m also excited about my upcoming internship at Honeywell as an R&D (research and development) engineer. Internships like these provide invaluable experience and can help shape your future career.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student?
The most challenging thing I’ve experienced as an engineering student was the initial adjustment to college life in the United States. Growing up in Ecuador, STEM opportunities were scarce, so I was really worried that my foundational knowledge in math, chemistry, and physics wouldn’t be on par with my peers. I was scared I’d fall behind, and during my first semester, I struggled a lot. I had to study hard and stay up all night just to keep up with the content.
But after that first semester, I gained a lot more confidence. I proved to myself that with hard work, determination, time and support of new friends, I could overcome those obstacles.
What has been the most rewarding thing you’ve experienced as an engineering student?
By far, one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an engineering student has been working on materials engineering research in collaboration with NASA. During my time as an undergraduate research assistant at the Cold Spray Rapid Deposition Laboratory, my mentor gave me the opportunity to work on several exciting projects, including analyzing the wear behavior of wire-DED titanium, fabricating Ultra High-Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) for aerospace applications, and 3D printing lunar regolith.
One of the most fulfilling accomplishments was co-authoring four research papers on aerospace materials, including one where I was published as the first author. My paper, titled “In-situ Crack Propagation Dynamics in Multicomponent Ultra-High Temperature Carbides,” was published in 2024. This is such a huge accomplishment for an undergraduate, and I’m incredibly proud of it. Additionally, this ongoing research could potentially lead to a patent related to the 3D printing of titanium carbide ceramics. This work is driven by my desire to push the boundaries of aerospace materials technology, and it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of my academic journey.
Any advice to prospective students thinking of majoring in engineering?
My best advice for prospective engineering students is to get involved early on. The moment I started studying at Florida International University, I immersed myself in research opportunities, which reconnected me with the scientific world and shaped my academic journey. Whether it’s working in a research lab, joining a student organization, or securing underclassman internships, getting hands-on experience early will give you a leg up. Those experiences help build your resume, portfolio, and skill set. For me, diving into undergraduate research early was one of the best decisions I made during my college career, and I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to gain practical knowledge and get ahead in the field.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a student?
The best piece of advice I’ve received as a student is to not be too hard on myself. Engineering is a tough field! The important thing is to remember that setbacks are part of the journey. It’s normal to feel challenged, but those moments are where growth happens. Instead of stressing, be patient with yourself and trust the process. Embrace the tough moments, because they shape you into a better engineer and person. Stay confident in your abilities, take risks, and don’t shy away from new challenges. You’ve got what it takes—just believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.
If you could have lunch/dinner with a famous engineering pioneer, who would it be? Why?
If I could have lunch or dinner with a famous engineering pioneer, it would definitely be Margaret Hamilton. She is an iconic figure in the field of software engineering, particularly known for her work in developing the software for NASA’s Apollo missions. Her contributions were vital in getting astronauts to the Moon, and she was a trailblazer for women in a male-dominated field. What I find most inspiring about Margaret Hamilton is not just her technical expertise but her ability to overcome immense challenges and push the boundaries of what was thought possible at the time. Her innovative thinking and leadership paved the way for many modern engineering breakthroughs. I would love to learn from her experiences, her problem-solving mindset, and how she navigated the challenges of being a woman in STEM during her time.
When you’re not being an engineering student, what do you like to do?
When I’m not being an engineering student, I love to stay active and enjoy life outside of academics. I enjoy exploring new places in Miami, playing mini golf, and spending time with my friends and family. Music is also an important part of my life—I love playing the piano and find it to be a great way to unwind and express myself