Hua Lin: Outstanding Graduating Student
Hua Lin of Portland, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Engineering. He has earned dual degrees in mathematics and in engineering physics, with a concentration in mechanical engineering. In 2019, Lin received a Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) Fellowship and a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Fellowship in sensor science and engineering. In NSF REU Sensors initiative, he collaborated with professor Sheila Edalatpour on the project “Silicon Carbide Nanowires and Thin Films for Sensing Strain and Pressure in Harsh Environments.” Lin’s honors thesis is “Near-Field Thermal Radiation in Graphene-Based Systems.” He has begun his master’s work in mechanical engineering and will have his graduate degree in 2023. Lin plans to have a career in engineering research.
What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
UMaine has been great at providing the diverse selection of courses and programs that give the physics and mathematics foundations required for my pursuit of engineering research.
Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
My experience in the Honors program has had a profound impact in the way I read and analyze text. It gave me a more well-rounded view of the world, with class discussions ranging from classical literature to religion to science.
Why UMaine?
I have found that the curriculum at UMaine has been instrumental in giving me the skills to interpret and analyze the world around me. The programs have great synergy in both the foundational rigor and the practical applications of theory.
How would you define the opportunities for student success at UMaine? Is there any particular initiative, program or set of resources that helped you succeed?
I would say that programs such as CUGR are great at providing experience for students interested in research.
Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
I have worked closely with my thesis adviser, professor Sheila Edalatpour, on a couple projects. Additionally, I have taken courses with and received great guidance from professors John Thompson and Nigel Pitt.
What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?
I would suggest that new students find a research or academic interest and start working with a professor in the field.
Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu