Upper Division Honors

Transfer Student Profiles

Felipe Godinez
Mechanical Engineering

Felipe Godinez, a Mechanical Engineering student, is currently working with Prof. Aguilar on a project dealing with laser assisted cryosurgery. He is also a member of the CAMP program on our campus as well as a father, husband and outstanding student. The UHP recently asked him a few questions to get a sense of his experience in the Upper Division Honors Program. He plans on graduating in Spring of 2008.

Has it been hard to do your thesis?

Honestly, the work is as if I’ve added 2 more classes to my schedule but it is a rewarding challenge as the project is my “baby”, I can’t turn away from it. I am being pushed to the maximum but it is not impossible to do it.

What was the deciding factor in committing to a substantial independent project for Upper Division Honors?

I new that I needed research experience for my career goals, I like that the program offered motivational support, the deadlines keep the pressure on for completion along with the structure to get it done. Knowing I would have some sort of support made the idea of independent research doable.

How do you feel you are as a student because of the program?

Academically it pushes me to do more, I am more focused regarding preparations for tests and I tend to not leave anything undone.

Biggest piece of advice?

If you’ve made it this far – give it all you’ve got – enjoy the ride. Don’t limit yourself just because you are a transfer student. You can get everything out of the education that you’d want.

What is the biggest strength you have gained from the experience?

Academic self-confidence, self-esteem, I know I can do it, I am proving to myself that I have the mental ability to do what I dream.

What has the experience been like for you so far?

I have been given the opportunity to shine, to reflect my personal drive with my project. The Honors Program has given me an outlet to shine as a student and as a researcher. I have also obtained off-campus opportunities. I am seeing theory learned in class become solid in my lab work. The skills I’m learning in the laboratory are completely different than the things I am learning in the classroom, I am a holistic learner because of my work on my project.

The work I am doing on my research is all on me, how far I get with my project depends on my understanding of the field, my ability to apply what I am learning in class and also my ability to ask questions of those around me.

To learn more about the work that Felipe is conducting check out his site: http://www.engr.ucr.edu/~fgodinez/