Mechanical Engineering
Contact Information
- Hometown: Jackson, TN
- E-mail: sjinturk@vols.utk.edu
Biography
Growing up in a household that emphasized traditional Indian values in the United States has allowed me to approach the world and take on challenges with differing perspectives. My parents immigrated from India and seeing their hard work placed into creating a life from scratch has been my driving force and motivation. Their experiences have taught me that anything is possible if I really set my mind to it, and this is the advice I hope to use in my upcoming collegiate and professional years. Due to my culturally diverse childhood, I have been able to connect personally with others that have grown up also surrounded by different cultures and backgrounds.
As a freshman last year, I wanted to be exposed to as much as possible. When I learned about the Integrated Business and Engineering Program through a member in the cohort above mine, I knew this would perfect for me. I had always wanted to learn business skills along with professionalism because I knew it would come into great use as an engineer. The idea of meeting students that think differently from me as an engineer, along with the chance to network with mentors and executives, was very appealing. I knew this program would be a great opportunity for me.
I recently accepted an offer to intern at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) this summer. I will be working under a professional researcher in the Buildings and Transportation Science Division that will allow me to utilize my mechanical engineering experience. I am especially excited for this internship because I will be able to learn skills that other interns normally do, but also dive a bit into research. This internship is combining two of my undergraduate academic goals, and I could not be more thrilled for this opportunity!
After graduating from the University of Tennessee, I would like to apply my Mechanical Engineering degree into a career that utilizes hands-on technology. The world is rapidly advancing towards the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and this is an industry I want to be a part of. Furthermore, I also want to obtain an MBA to better the business skills I learn in my collegiate career. I know that IBEP will supply me with useful skills, and I am excited to see what the next few years bring.
