At Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS), our Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) ensures that students get the hands-on training necessary to prepare them for successful careers after graduation. Justin Boetius, 2021’s mechanical engineering outstanding graduate, used his Pacific experiences to land a job after college.
Q: How was your last year at Pacific? Is there a specific memory or event that stands out?
A: My last year at Pacific went surprisingly fast, and the transition to an online learning environment was very smooth. The event that stands out to me most occurred in May of 2020 when my senior design team was able to present our capstone project to the mechanical engineering professors and alumni.
“I am fortunate to have met many amazing people through my five years at Pacific and hope to stay in touch with many of my peers, professors and friends I have made along the way.”
— Justin Boetius
Q: Did you participate in any research projects? What were they and who were they with?
A: Since my sophomore year, I participated as a research assistant and research team leader of the Surgical Technology Analysis and Development Laboratory, headed by Dr. JuEun Lee of the mechanical engineering department. As part of this team, I performed various calculations, analysis, experimental design and literature surveying of current literature in the surgical bone drilling fields, with applications focusing on limiting thermal damage to bone tissues in orthopedic, dental and neurosurgical procedures.
Q: How did Pacific prepare you for life after graduation?
A: Pacific prepared me for life post-graduation by allowing me to have a greater sense of time management, organizational skills, as well as interpersonal skills that are crucial for my upcoming career as an engineer. I am fortunate to have met many amazing people through my five years at Pacific and hope to stay in touch with many of my peers, professors and friends I have made along the way.
Q: Do you have any fun summer plans?
A: This summer, I have two vacations planned prior to starting my full-time position; one trip to Kauai with my college friends and brother, and a trip to the Caribbean with my family to celebrate graduation.
Q: What do you want to be most remembered for?
A: In terms of being remembered at Pacific, I would like people to remember how I was as a classmate, student and friend, and also for all the hard work and determination that I have shown through my classwork and research work throughout my time at Pacific.