Student Spotlight: Engineering Mechanics Student Olivia Dobson

Olivia Dobson, a senior in the Engineering Mechanics (+Aerospace Engineering Option) (EMA) bachelor’s degree, has a love for exploration and adventure. Whether she is exploring a new UW student org, expanding her skillsets in the lab, or catching a sunset out on the lake, this student is taking in all that life has to offer. Not only does Olivia want to experience life to the fullest here on earth, but she is expanding her horizons to tackle space. Passionate about extraterrestrial discovery, Olivia plans to use her EMA degree to explore our solar system and discover the stars.

What has your engineering journey been like? Did you ‘always’ want to be an engineer?

In all honesty, I sort of stumbled my way into engineering. My favorite hobby is collecting hobbies – I have too many passions and interests to count! All throughout high school, I pursued athletic and artistic avenues, so I never really had an introduction to the world of engineering before coming to UW-Madison. When attempting to whittle down my interests into one area of study, however, I found two truths: I love to create, and I love math and science. Engineering seemed to be the most logical path forward. So, while I did not ‘always’ want to be an engineer, I do believe I always would have found myself becoming an engineer.

How did you decide to pursue a degree in Engineering Mechanics? Is there a specific area of EMA you are interested in?

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the immensity of outer space. There is so much that is still unknown about our solar system, and I want to be a driving force in extraterrestrial discovery. Considering satellites, telescopes, and rovers are the scientific equipment used to explore beyond our atmosphere, I knew obtaining a degree in aerospace engineering would be the best path in making my career dreams come to fruition. At UW-Madison, the Aerospace Engineering option offered through the Engineering Mechanics (EMA) degree offers classes such as rocket propulsion and astrodynamics, which will be extremely helpful as I look towards entering the space industry. Prepared by the EMA program’s rigorous aerospace coursework, I hope to one day reach for the stars!  

Are you involved in any student organizations? If so, which ones and what is your involvement?

I’m not involved in any student organizations at the moment, but I have been a member of quite a few in the past. My freshman year, I joined AIAA (now Wisconsin Space Program) to meet like-minded, outer-space-oriented students and learn more about the aerospace industry. Moving into sophomore year, I wanted to do something entirely outside of my comfort zone, so I joined the Bager Log Rolling Club. What started as a one-off, “this will be a funny ice breaker,” experience quickly turned into a niche passion. Everyone in the club was an absolute joy to be around, and nothing is better than an evening spent on the lakes.

Sadly, the club no longer is an organization at UW, so this past summer I joined Hoofer Sailing Club to get back out on the water. From windsurfing to sloop racing, I was able to gain different sailing experiences and make new friends nearly every day. If you have ever watched sailboats out on the lake, I highly recommend coming aboard and joining in on the fun. 

Can you talk about your experience with undergraduate research or co-ops/internships?

I am fortunate to have gained both undergraduate research and co-op experiences while at UW-Madison. I currently work in the Laboratory for Energy Transport and Storage (LET+S) lab directed by Professor Allison Mahvi. In the lab, I am helping to fabricate a refrigerant flow loop that will be used to test a thermal energy storage unit. From brazing to electrical wiring, and even obtaining HVAC certification, it seems as if every day in my research assistantship I am gaining some wild new skill I can add to my engineering toolbelt.

Prior to undergraduate research, I completed a co-op at ATA Engineering, where I worked as a finite element analyst for aerospace structures. From modeling satellite components to analyzing launch vehicle shock environments, my work made an impact on projects that will be shooting for the skies in the near future. ATA’s co-op program also allowed me to travel across the US. Over the 3-semester long program, I lived in California, Alabama, and Colorado. In all three states, I was able to hike, surf, and explore to my heart’s content, almost as if I was in a study abroad program.

What is a favorite memory or accomplishment you have from your time in ME or at UW? 

Sunset out on Lake Mendota is an experience that can’t be beaten. Some of my favorite memories involve sitting on the Terrace at Memorial Union, watching sailboats zip along as the sky fades from blue to orange to lavender. Sometimes I join the fun, sloop racing until the sun is well below the horizon. UW-Madison being located on an isthmus is something that should not be taken for granted. Even in the dead-center of Wisconsin’s state capital, there is an abundance of nature and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Why did you choose to attend UW-Madison? What might you share with perspective students who are considering attending UW-Madison for their undergrad degree? 

Having grown up in a town 30 minutes away from Madison, this university was an obvious choice for a home away from home. Combined with the fact that UW-Madison is a highly ranked public university for undergraduate engineering, there really was no competition to what university I was going to end up attending.

For any and all considering UW-Madison for their undergraduate studies, I highly suggest thinking about what sort of environment you want for your academic years. UW-Madison is a big school, with big school spirit, so sporting events are huge and there are numerous student organizations to participate in and enjoy. However, a larger school means there is less guidance throughout your undergraduate studies as compared to a smaller university. Based on my experience, I’ve found you need to be prepared to take initiative and be independent. If you do just that, I can guarantee that you will become a stronger individual and a capable student.