Mingeun Park: College of Engineering student marshal, aerospace engineering

Clubs and activities

I served as a teaching assistant for EM 3240 (Mechanics of Materials), where I facilitated collaborative learning and helped students tackle conceptual challenges while strengthening their analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Additionally, I worked as a peer mentor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, supporting first-year students in their transition to college. I mentored students in ENGR 1010 (Engineering Orientation), assisted students in learning basic engineering software, including Python, MATLAB, and SolidWorks, and guided teams in developing their lighter-than-air aircraft projects for AERE 1600 (Aerospace Engineering Problems With Computer Applications Laboratory) and AERE 1610 (Numerical, Graphical and Laboratory Techniques for Aerospace Engineering). 

Valuable hands-on learning in class

The wind tunnel testing in AERE 3440 (Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory) was the most valuable and unforgettable hands-on learning experience for me. I conducted experiments with my team to evaluate airfoil performance under different conditions, analyzing pressure distributions, velocities, aerodynamic forces, and both subsonic and supersonic flow behavior. 

This experience allowed me to directly connect theoretical concepts with real aerodynamic phenomena. Through data analysis and report writing, I also strengthened my teamwork and analytical skills.

Valuable out-of-the-classroom experience

My undergraduate research allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. 

Through my research, I worked on multiple projects, including mechanical testing of carbon composites using Instron and digital image correlation, and fracture surface characterization using 3D confocal microscopy. I also applied physics-informed neural networks for orbit generation and investigated the impact behavior of crumpled materials using molecular dynamics simulations on high-performance computing. 

These experiences exposed me to both experimental and computational methods, strengthened my problem-solving and data analysis skills, and taught me how to approach advanced research questions while developing into an independent researcher. 

Most influential mentor

Dr. Oleg Zarechnyi was one of the most influential mentors during my time at Iowa State. As someone who aspires to become a professor, I was deeply impressed by his dedication to teaching and student success. He was always available to help students, even late at night or on weekends, showing his strong commitment to teaching. 

Through his Mechanics of Materials course, I reaffirmed my interest in pursuing graduate studies in solid mechanics. On top of that, while working as his teaching assistant, I gained valuable insight into effective teaching practices and learned what kind of professor I aspire to be, particularly in fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. 

Best memory/greatest accomplishment

During my last semester at Iowa State, I presented two research projects at the AIAA 2026 Region V Student Conference. As someone pursuing a PhD degree and a career in academia, this was a meaningful opportunity to share my research work and engage with other researchers. 

Although preparing the papers as the first author and delivering the presentations was challenging, they strengthened my academic writing and communication skills. I was especially pleased to receive positive feedback from both professionals and individuals outside my field, who found my presentations engaging. 

This experience stands out as one of my greatest accomplishments because it boosted my confidence as a researcher and reinforced my passion for academia. 

Plans after graduation

I will begin a PhD program at the University of Michigan, focusing on structural materials characterization, where I aim to integrate advanced X-ray diffraction microscopy with micromechanical modeling to study microstructure and microscale deformation. 

A memorable moment of kindness

I would like to highlight the aerospace engineering academic advisors, especially Mr. Andrew Albaugh, my supervisor in the aerospace engineering learning community. As a peer mentor, I worked closely with him. He is a supportive and approachable person who truly cares about students. Whenever I felt uncertain in my role, he was always willing to listen and offer guidance. His encouragement gave me confidence as a peer mentor. His kindness has had a lasting impact on me. It has shaped how I support others, and I now strive to create the same welcoming and supportive environment that he created for other aerospace engineering students and me. 

Persevering through challenging times

There were moments when I questioned whether engineering was the right path for me, especially when my research was not progressing as expected or when I received lower scores on an exam despite putting in significant effort. 

I did not find an easy or immediate solution to overcome these challenges. Instead, what helped me persevere was simply continuing to move forward. I kept a steady routine, dedicating time to my research and studies while pushing myself to grow a little each day. As the quote “Don’t think, just do” from Top Gun suggests, this mindset helped me avoid overthinking and stay committed to my goals. Over time, I started to see progress and realized that persistence was essential. These experiences ultimately confirmed that I am on the right path in engineering. 

Your major in your own words

Aerospace engineering is one of the coolest majors in the world. We learn about how aircraft and spacecraft fly and how they are designed. For example, at the time of writing this, Artemis II has just launched. Aerospace engineering students study everything involved in such missions, including how propulsion systems help rockets lift off, how the structures and materials of launch vehicles endure extreme conditions, and how spacecraft travel to the moon and fly by it. Aerospace engineering can be challenging and takes time to fully master. However, it is incredibly rewarding and exciting to see how math and physics are applied to these amazing and historic missions.

Making my mark on the world

I was not a naturally talented student, and I struggled when I first began studying engineering. However, I have grown significantly as a student and will soon begin my PhD program. Based on this experience, I want to support aspiring students, especially those without a strong background, because I understand how disorienting it can feel. 

In the future, I hope to become a professor, where I can mentor students, motivate them, make engineering more accessible to a broader audience, and inspire the next generation of engineers to pursue impactful and inclusive innovation. 

At the same time, I aim to contribute to society through research by designing advanced materials for high-performance applications, ultimately contributing to innovations that can have a meaningful impact. 

Engineering like a Cyclone Engineer

Being a Cyclone Engineer means continuously learning while contributing to a supportive and collaborative engineering community. At Iowa State, students benefit from high-quality courses taught by excellent faculty, along with strong lab facilities and valuable engineering opportunities. What makes this experience truly unique, however, is the strong sense of connection and support among students. Through mentoring programs, supplemental instruction, and alumni networks, students are encouraged to help each other succeed. As a result, being a Cyclone Engineer is not only about academic growth, but also about being part of a community that fosters collective success. 

What I’d tell my younger self about Iowa State

Choosing Iowa State not only provided me with a high-quality engineering education, but it also changed my life. Surrounded by supportive faculty, mentors, and peers, I grew both academically and personally. Looking back, I would tell my younger self that this experience gave me the confidence, perseverance, and clarity to shape my future. 

Most inspiring location on campus

Howe Hall, the home of Aerospace Engineering, is where I feel most inspired on campus. Surrounded by dedicated students working on projects and studying together, I am constantly motivated to stay focused and keep improving.  

I often sit by the large windows, where the natural light helps me concentrate on my research. In that environment, I am reminded of my goals and encouraged to continue growing as an engineer.