Christie Hasbrouck

Christie Hasbrouck, Trine sophomore mechanical engineering

"I′ve heard from many people that the college experience is so much more rewarding when you are involved in things other than academics and I couldn′t agree more," said Christie Hasbrouck, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Terre Haute.

Hasbrouck seems to have taken that advice to heart. She is secretary of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, an activities board member for the Multicultural Student Organization, a mentor to eight honors freshmen as part of the Trine Honors Student Association and is an active member of the Math Club, the Society of Women Engineers, The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

She shows pride in knowing that Trine graduates are making their mark around the world and appears eager to join their ranks. After her freshmen year, she completed an internship at GE Aviation, Terre Haute; she received the mechanical engineering chair scholarship at Trine and the Indiana Space Grant Consortium Scholarship and has been on the president’s list.

"I love that Trine teaches practical skills with technical knowledge," she said. "Knowing all of the theory behind engineering and memorizing formulas does not make a great engineer; knowing how to apply the knowledge, theories and formulas to real life is what makes a great engineer."

Hasbrouck said she appreciates that faculty take her education beyond textbooks and include individual growth.

"You learn how to create and sustain relationships, improve time-management skills and develop yourself as an individual," she said. "The professors in the engineering department are wonderful. They are always extremely willing to help or just to talk; I contacted a few of them prior to even making the decision to come to Trine."

When pressed, Hasbrouck names three professors who have effected her: V.K. Sharma, Ph.D., Haseeb Kazi, Ph.D., and Brett Batson, Ph.D. Hasbrouck said she appreciates their "genuine interest" in students and their success.