Extraordinary Engineer: Alan Tran

Alan Tran in front of wall art

Alan Tran

Hometown
Lawrenceville, Georgia

High School
Peachtree Ridge High School

Degree Major
Mechanical Engineering

Expected Graduation
May 2023

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?

“My favorite thing would be having the opportunity and exposure to a variety of organizations and resources that the university offers. I feel like there is something for everyone here at UGA and that when you find it you meet some of the best people.”

Why did you choose engineering?

“I chose engineering because I felt like it was a challenge that would help me build a foundation of knowing why things are the way they are. From a young age, I was always curious about how robots, cars, and anything mechanical worked, so it felt fitting to pursue an engineering career path.”

Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?

“I believe that the diversity in our community helps bring different perspectives based on backgrounds and experiences.”

Alan Tran in gocart

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?

“My greatest challenge was my first semester here at UGA after transferring. I had to make new friends and adapt to a different lifestyle and culture. After a while of meeting new people in organizations and classes, UGA to me, has become a second home.”

What or who has helped you become a successful student here at UGA?

“My friends that I have made in classes have always been a primary reason for my success so far. I feel that we collectively struggle together so the bond we have gives us the strength to overcome most of our challenges whether it is a project or an exam.”

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

“My favorite spot on campus has been the College of Engineering’s machine shop and the fablab. I spent countless hours within both seeing parts that friends and I have designed come to life with the various tools and machinery that they have.”

What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?

“I will forever love Cali N Tito’s!”

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

“My favorite class that I have taken so far at UGA would be Dr. Wagner’s Mechanical Systems (MCHE 4300) course. Although challenging, I believe that it taught me very practical mechanical design knowledge that would be useful in the fields I am trying to pursue. The projects in themselves felt like an accomplishment once they were completed.”

Best memory at UGA so far?

“By far, the best memory that I have at UGA has been with UGA’s Formula SAE team. Designing, building, and stressing over a car that we take to race in Michigan every summer has been the highlight of my engineering career. It always seems crazy to me that we created a vehicle that can run! The many sleepless nights have been completely worth it in my opinion. And along the way I met some of the greatest people that I wouldn’t trade the world for.”

What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?

“Keep pushing along and go for it! The challenges that you face would feel completely rewarding once you get through the thick of it and the opportunities are endless when you pursue engineering.”

How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?

“I hope to impact society with an engineering degree by providing some innovation within the automotive industry. I also hope to be an inspiration to younger engineering students to prove that engineering can be pretty cool!”

Read more Extraordinary Engineers profiles >>



Join a cutting-edge engineering program at a time-honored university

Apply Today Make A Gift