Logan Marks, a native of Church Point, Louisiana, is currently in his fourth semester pursuing a Master's in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette). With an undergraduate degree from UL Lafayette in Mechanical Engineering, class of 2022, Logan's journey into the realm of higher education has been one of dedication and passion.
Undergraduate Experience and Path to Grad School
During his undergraduate years, Logan interned at Gregory Consulting and Controls, gaining valuable experience in the field. Following graduation, he continued his work there, contributing to a project aimed at redesigning land wells to reduce carbon emissions. However, it was during his senior year that the idea of pursuing graduate studies began to take shape. Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Barhorst, Logan decided to embark on the path of research and academia, ultimately leading him to pursue his Master's degree.
Research and Academic Pursuits
In the Mechanical Engineering MS program, Logan is deeply involved in research under the guidance of Dr. Barhorst. His thesis focuses on developing path-following control laws for autonomous over-actuated surface vehicles, a project with practical applications in the aerospace industry. Through his studies, Logan is learning to tackle real-world problems and collaborate with industry experts, honing his skills as a professional engineer.
Faculty Mentorship and Program Highlights
Logan speaks highly of the faculty at UL Lafayette, particularly Dr. Barhorst and Dr. Afef-Fekih, who have served as mentors and guides throughout his academic journey. He emphasizes the close-knit atmosphere of the program, where professors are dedicated to the success of their students. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students like Logan to tailor their studies to their interests, fostering personal and academic growth.
Favorite Experiences and Advice
One of Logan's favorite aspects of his time at UL Lafayette has been the opportunity to apply what he's learned in undergrad to meaningful research projects. He advises prospective students to consider the supportive community and plethora of research opportunities offered by UL Lafayette's Mechanical Engineering program.
In Logan's Words Reflecting on his journey, Logan expresses gratitude for the transformative experience he's had at UL Lafayette: "Embarking on the Mechanical Engineering MS program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been a transformative journey that has not only expanded my knowledge but has also shaped me into a more adept and insightful engineer."
As Logan approaches graduation and looks toward his future career, it's clear that his time at UL Lafayette has equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to the field of mechanical engineering.