Student Spotlight:
Brian Romero Gomez

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask mechanical engineering major Brian Romero Gomez for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I decided to attend WSU because I really liked the close-knit community and the sense of connection between students. I wanted to attend a university where I could feel like I was part of a community rather than just another student. I chose mechanical engineering because I’ve always been interested in how machines work and how different components come together to create something functional. As I’ve gone through school and gained hands-on engineering experience, that interest has grown into enjoying the process of designing, building, and improving things.

What has been your favorite class or program that you’ve been involved with at WSU?

My favorite class at WSU has been Thermodynamics, especially because of my professor, Jacob Leachman. The class really challenged me and forced me to adapt the way I studied and approached difficult problems. Professor Leachman also uses real-world examples that show how engineering principles can be applied to make decisions and solve actual problems. Because of that combination of challenge and real-world application, I learned a lot and grew as an engineering student.

Have you participated in any internships related to your field of study?

I have completed three internships related to mechanical engineering with Novolex, Pexco Aerospace, and most recently, Boeing. Each internship has been a great learning experience and has allowed me to develop skills beyond what I’ve learned in the classroom. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects with real-world impact, solve engineering problems, and learn directly from experienced engineers. These experiences have also helped me better understand the type of engineer I want to become after graduation.

What clubs are you involved in on campus?

I’m a part of Wazzu Racing, and being involved with the team has helped me develop my skills as an engineer. It has given me the opportunity to take concepts I’ve learned in the classroom and apply them to a real engineering project. Working on an actual race car has also helped me gain hands-on experience with design, problem-solving, and working as part of an engineering team.

Please describe which experience mattered most to you, what challenged you the most, or what are you proud of during your time as a student at WSU.

My first internship with Novolex is the experience that mattered most to me because it was my first time solving a real engineering problem that didn’t have a clear or linear solution. I had to learn how to work through uncertainty, explore different solutions, and communicate with people from different technical backgrounds. That experience challenged me to think beyond what I had learned in the classroom and gave me confidence in my ability to solve real-world engineering problems.

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

I would definitely recommend attending Washington State University because the professors genuinely want to see their students succeed and are willing to support you when you reach out. I’ve benefited from WSU by taking advantage of the opportunities available to me, especially attending career fairs, seeking advice from professors, and building connections with people in the engineering industry. WSU has given me opportunities that have helped me grow both as a student and as a future engineer.

What have you learned during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned during my time at WSU is the importance of networking and building relationships. Talking with professors, classmates, recruiters, and people in industry has shown me that your connections can be just as valuable as what you learn in the classroom. In the future, I think those communication and networking skills will help me continue learning from others and open doors to new opportunities.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

Some advice I would give to current or prospective students is to talk to everyone and take advantage of opportunities to build connections. You never know when a conversation with another student, professor, or recruiter could lead to a new opportunity. For mechanical engineering specifically, I recommend finding a good group of people you can take classes and study with. Having a strong group where you can help each other understand difficult concepts and stay motivated makes a big difference.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

After college, I want to continue working in the aerospace industry, whether that means continuing my career with Boeing or pursuing an opportunity with another aerospace company. Through my internship experiences, I’ve realized that I really enjoy working on complex engineering problems and contributing to products where quality and safety are extremely important. Ultimately, I want to keep developing as an engineer, take on more responsibility, and contribute to projects that have a real impact.