Student Spotlight - Zach Reid
Name: Zach Reid
Year/Major: Master/Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: Pawleys Island, SC
After completing his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia, Zach Reid chose to pursue a graduate education in the field at Auburn University because of its reputation as a high-quality engineering school in the southeast that offered a small town atmosphere. I wanted to put the theoretical basis that was developed in undergraduate studies to the test. Auburn Engineering had a reputation for being a hands-on experience," Reid says. "I enjoy working in the labs and getting valuable real-world practice."
Because of his interests in math and science, Reid knew he wanted to work in aerospace engineering. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he found himself drawn to project management and recognized that he would benefit from a graduate degree in this area.
Reid was also drawn to Auburn's aerospace engineering department because of its community atmosphere. "I know everyone and feel like I am a part of something special," he says. "Most professors have an open-door policy and are more than willing to sit down and answer questions."
He enjoys the challenge of the advanced curriculum and appreciates the resulting increase in his understanding of the field. "Most of the undergraduate classes just give an overview of a broad range of topics," says Reid. "The graduate classes go in depth and make students think about the what, how and why of a problem."
With a year and a half at Auburn, Reid’s best memories have come from the people who represent the Auburn community. He feels that Auburn students and faculty members are well-rounded people that prize academic success but do not make it their sole motivation. "Many people are motivated by their academics combined with their faith or their activities outside of the classroom," observes Reid. "They have well-rounded personalities and goals, and I have enjoyed getting to know and become part of the Auburn family."
