Misha Nikoo - EngrMed - Purdue University

I found a love for math at a young age and knew I wanted to purse something related to that. As an electrical engineer the options of where to go after graduation are so diverse and broad, I knew it would be a great fit. 

Why did you choose to study electrical and computer engineering?

My parents and my brother are all electrical engineers that graduated from Purdue. Growing up it was interesting for me to see what my brother was learning about and the work my parents were doing. I also found a love for math at a young age and knew I wanted to purse something related to that. As an electrical engineer the options of where to go after graduation are so diverse and broad, so I knew it would be a great fit.

Favorite Purdue ECE class (so far!) and why:

My favorite ECE class so far is ECE 202. I wouldn’t say this was one of my easiest classes, but I definitely enjoyed it. I really liked the professor I had. He was very helpful when it came to office hours and I feel like his style of teaching meshed well with me. This is one of the classes that I can say I enjoyed studying for and it was very satisfying when once I actually understood the problems and information being presented.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within ECE?

The best organization I have participated in within ECE is The Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Society (ECESS). Through ECESS I am the Co-Chair of Women in ECE (WECE). This organization has allowed me to network with faculty, alumni, and students in ways that I have never imagined. I am able to put on events to get the girls in my major more involved and show that there is a great support system even though there might not be many of us.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of ECE?

Outside of ECE I am in The Women in Engineering Program (WIEP). Through this organization I mentor freshmen by hosting small events monthly to hang out, do homework or answer any questions they might have about school or just life in general.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential Purdue ECE student?

Something I would let a potential ECE student know is that ECE classes are not easy and there will be many times where you get frustrated and don’t understand what is going on, but everyone has been there. To deal with this my best advice is to go to the TA’s and the professors office hours because they are here to help you not hurt you. The hard work really will pay off and once you start understanding the material nothing can compare to that feeling.

Who is someone in industry that you look up to and why?

Someone that I look up to in industry is Rita Lane. I did not know much about her before last semester until I had the chance to meet her. I had the opportunity to host an event where she came and gave a presentation and I got to learn about her and how she accomplished everything she has and just more about her as a person.

What is your ultimate career goal?

To be honest I am not sure what my ultimate career goal is yet. Ideally it would be doing something I enjoy and that makes me happy. I would love to be able to apply everything that I have learned through my time at Purdue and see the real-world applications.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, photography, and doing anything art related (even though I might not be the best at it). In the summer I love to go to the beach and relax while reading a good book. I also try to go to the gym in my free time because that is my way of releasing my stress after a long day.

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