I am always looking for a challenge to broaden what I already learned in the classroom. I was fortune to come across a research program for underrepresented students at Cal Poly, the BEACoN Research Scholars program. BEACoN greatly values in pushing its mentees to do more than what exists; hence, their mentors Believe, Educate & Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, and Nurture students. 

My research project investigated a discrete approximation scheme for a distributed elliptic lift distribution. Imagine modeling an airplane wing as a cantilever beam. This beam will undergo a distributive load caused by lift. Most engineers would simplify the distributed load by creating one single resultant load in the middle. Globally, this is statically equivalent to our distributed load, as taught in our mechanics of materials classes. However, this step does not account for internal shears, moments, rotations, or deflection. Thus, it is time to create a discrete approximation scheme that can account for these internal loads at any point of the beam. 

This project tested both my numerical analysis and Matlab capabilities outside of class. It also taught me the importance of concise coding and justification of my work throughout every step. As research always guarantees, I've spent many hours staring at my screen, wondering where in the complexity of my work did I misstep. Not only was I very frustrated at times with the messiness of my integrals and summations, but I was also very confused within my own code. After a few deep breaths and ABBA songs, however, I was energized and kept pushing on into the tediousness of my work. Slowly, I found my mistakes and re-justified my methods to move on. I had to be resilient and optimistic, as my mentor depended on me deliver my work. 

By the end of the spring quarter, I was able to generalize this method for the elliptic load and present my work at the BEACoN Spring Conference. I was not daunted by the research process; I was eager! I enjoyed discovering the new method and justifying it for days on end. I am was also blessed with the chance to present my research at two conferences outside of Cal Poly: Purdue University's Graduate Seminar and SACNAS Digital STEM Conference (both in October).

Below are my BEACoN Conference video, presentation, and poster. Enjoy!