The following is an autobiography by a Jacobs’ Journal staff member.

Hi! My name is Eric Zhao and I am currently studying aerospace engineering at Marshall. I am considering pursuing a minor in philosophy and hope to graduate by 2024. Although I have only experienced a taste of the aerospace field, I can tell you that my research interests lie in design optimization, thermodynamics, and composite materials for lighter and stronger aircraft. When I am not reading or catching up on my classes, I love watching movies, finding new genres of music, and playing video games with my friends.

I joined Jacobs’ Journal because I felt the learning environment during the COVID pandemic was very isolating, and after a year into my college life I did not know anyone from my school. I thought that by joining Jacobs’ Journal, I would find a group of like-minded people who enjoy researching the same topics I do. Not only would it connect me with my peers, but also give me an opportunity to elevate my own research skills as I enter a competitive field. Though I have experience writing academic articles, this will be my first time truly engaging in undergraduate and graduate level research. I hope to develop these skills and continue my education in graduate school. 

One of the biggest challenges I have faced coming into college during the COVID pandemic is trying to make connections with my peers. Especially in an online, asynchronous environment, I found it difficult to meet people in any of my classes other than the occasional Discord call. However, I hope that through Jacobs’ Journal and other student-run organizations, I will be able to find my own place in the UCSD community. 

Insta: eric._.zhao

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-zhao-a48a3515b/