Outstanding Senior Spotlight: Michael Taylor

For most of this time at the University of California, Davis, Michael Taylor did not think graduate school was in the cards for him. Then a class on structures changed his hand.  

"You never know what field will speak to you most," said Taylor, who will graduate with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace science and engineering. "After taking a few classes in the structures field, I fell in love with everything to do with the work."  

Taylor will go on to pursue his Master of Science degree at Stanford University's Aeronautics and Astronautics department, focusing his research on structures and finite element analysis. 

He credits Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering Mark Rashid, who taught the first class on structures that Taylor attended, with his graduate school lightbulb moment. Although, it was perhaps less flicking on a light switch and more of a dimmer switch turning from low light to full brightness.  

"Because of the difficulty of the class, I attended his office hours almost every single week," said Tylor. "It gave me even more opportunities to dig in and understand all of the fine details that would eventually lead me to pursue graduate school in the same field."  

Going with Taylor on his journey are the "countless lessons" from his time conducting research in the Human/Robotics/Vehicle Integration and Performance Laboratory, or HRVIP Lab, led by Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Stephen Robinson. Working his way up to lead engineer, Taylor conducted environmental testing for satellite components, developing engineering, organization and communication skills along the way.  

Reflecting on his time at UC Davis, Taylor believes he learned something from every course he took, and that is indispensable.  

"There is something interesting and useful in every single class you take here. Even if you know that class isn't in the field you eventually want to work in, understanding the basics and being able to have a conversation in the language of that field are completely invaluable."