Casey Egan is graduating with his master’s degree in mechanical engineering through the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. Egan studied mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics and automation. “I have been interested in engineering since I was little, building Legos, competing in FIRST robotics, and always enjoying math and science over English and history,” said Egan, “I fell in love with nature growing up in Jamestown and have always wanted to use my engineering degree to help solve climate problems, potentially regarding renewable energy generation.”
The decision to attend the University of Rhode Island is one he’s happy about making. “Since coming here, I have been involved in research, student clubs, and outside of academics, I love longboarding with my dog,” said Egan. He recently served as American Society of Mechanical Engineers President, was a member of Engineers for a Sustainable World, Hydrobotics, and the intramural cornhole team. He also worked on campus, designing and implementing the new Ideation and Innovation (I²) Studio.
For anyone looking to have a similar experience, he recommends getting involved with student organizations and attending events. “Also, get assignments done not because of the deadline, but because you want to go do something fun afterwards,” said Egan. He also suggests making the most of the small community and connections with faculty. “Go to office hours and connect with your professors not just to ask a question before an exam, but to get to know them.”
Egan spent time conducting research in multiple labs and completed internships with Millstone Medical and the PPL Corporation and earned a place in the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and was awarded the University Excellence Award for MCE.
Finishing his master’s thesis this summer, Egan intends to head into industry. “I plan to leverage my thesis research experience with robotics and automation, my on-campus work experience in the I² lab, and my internship with renewable energy research and development team to potentially merge all three and work at a company that uses robotic arms to 3D print wind turbine blades,” said Egan.