My name is Michelle Kim and I am a Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in music, and a member of the SMU Women’s Rowing Team. I was born in Salzburg, Austria, but have spent the past twelve years in Plano, Texas. I was a home school student, and this is my second year at SMU.

I chose to attend SMU because of the uncommon package the Lyle School of Engineering provides. Lyle students not only master technical material, but also learn how to think creatively. There are strategic classes and group projects that develop these characteristics, such as the freshman robot competition where engineers design a robot that can drive up a ramp and shoot a ping pong ball into a target at varying distances.

The Lyle School of Engineering is also very personal; for example, multiple disciplines can be incorporated into your degree plan. I decided to minor in piano at the end of my senior year of high school, and the opportunities presented through the acclaimed Meadows School of the Arts are unparalleled. Learning alongside performing arts students, I can incorporate new perspectives and apply the knowledge gained through classes.

Last semester I developed an interest in muscles and the concepts that link physics and the mechanics of movement. It was the perfect cross between working out (one of my passions) and engineering (another passion). By asking questions and exploring options, I was able to join the team at the Locomotor Performance Laboratory to help with their research for the Department of Defense. These opportunities to contact and work with incredibly talented individuals are priceless.

In addition to these academic aspirations, I am on the SMU Women’s Rowing Team and am training for the Ms. SMU Fitness Competition. I play on an intramural soccer team, enthusiastically share my experiences with prospective students through Lyle Ambassadors, and often attend music and theatre performances. Each day brings new experiences, and each experience adds depth to my education.

The Lyle School of Engineering provides vast and diverse opportunities. Come and see for yourself! Once you visit campus, you won’t want to leave. I hope to meet you soon!