Levine Scholar Jairus Cook applies real-world engineering skills at UNC Charlotte
Jairus Cook chose UNC Charlotte for real-world engineering experience. Through Senior Design, an innovative two-semester program in which engineering students collaborate with industry partners, Jairus and his teammates are tackling authentic challenges relevant to today’s business needs.
As a Levine Scholar and senior mechanical engineering major, Jairus and his team partnered with CID Attachments to solve a critical problem: their blade holders for brush-cutting machines were experiencing dangerous vibration issues. His team designed a static balancer that measures the imbalance and recommends precise corrections, work that earned them First Place for their design poster. Their solution will enable a future team to automate the fixing process with a milling machine, directly improving safety and efficiency for CID’s products.
For Jairus, the experience provided growth beyond technical competencies. “Senior Design really improved my ability to communicate in a technical setting,” he says. “On my team, we include both mechanical and electrical engineering students with different backgrounds. I realized I can’t assume everyone understands certain concepts, so I always provide the necessary background to keep everyone aligned.”
These skills have already prepared him for future endeavors. “I can apply the research and problem-solving skills I practiced in Senior Design to keep learning as technology evolves and to collaborate effectively with engineers and coworkers,” Jairus says.
Most importantly, the experience increased his confidence. “It rewards me to see information and concepts from my coursework converge in my Senior Design project,” Jairus reflects. “Working on this project clearly boosts my confidence as I prepare to enter the workforce after graduation.”
For motivated students such as Jairus, the William State Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and confidence early in their academic careers. Jairus also serves as President of the National Society of Black Engineers UNC Charlotte chapter and as a Niner Guide for Gage Undergraduate Admissions. The Levine Scholars Program has enabled him to further integrate his engineering and leadership abilities. For his international experience, he participated in a Levine-led study abroad course in Santander, Spain, focused on Global Climate Change, where he conducted research on sustainability in manufacturing processes.
If you are a potential Levine Scholar engineering major ready to gain hands-on experience, develop real-world skills, and make your mark before graduation, UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering is the place to begin your journey.