Gangyuan Jing, B.S., Mechanical Engineering '11

1. What research are you working on?

I am currently working under Professor Hadas Kress-Gazit in the Autonomous System Lab (ASL). My project is to build a Python-based toolbox for controlling a robot using Structured English, logic and symbolic control. 

2. How did you get involved?

I decided to look for research opportunities in the spring semester of sophomore year. My academic advisor recommended professor Kress-Gazit to me. I started to work in the ASL lab for the summer after sophomore year as a volunteer. The project really interested me so I continued working on it after that summer.

3. Do you have any advice for other students considering research in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering?

Make sure the topic you decide to work on is what you actually like. Interest is one of the most important motivations of research. It is better to start early, if you are sure that you want to have some research experience. Usually a satisfying achievement will cost at least one year of hard working. At the beginning, everything seems hard and you may not have any clue at all. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Experience from others will save you a lot of time and trouble.

4. Why did you choose to study Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell?

I started to get interest in mechanical structures when I got my first set of LEGOs, a model of motorcycle, for my 7^th birthday. Since then I have been given a set of LEGOs each year as birthday gift, and I have spent a lot of time on building different vehicles and robots with them. In addition I was also influenced by my father, who has been working as a mechanical engineer for 30 years.

5. What do you do for fun?

During breaks I like to travel around the world and get to know the different cultures and taste all kinds of food. During the school year, I like to play video games and hang out with friends.