Hi Everyone!
Today we started our day pretty early and took a train to a neighboring city, Delft. In Delft, we visited InHolland, a university that offers a 4-year bachelors in applied sciences program. On our tour, we specifically learned about the Aeronautical Engineering program. We learned that the school has 700 students, 65% of those students being dutch, and the remaining 35% being international students. Only 5-10% of the student body are women, and 10-20% of international students are women. I thought it was interesting to learn that there is a max of 4 people from each country enrolled each year, at InHolland Delft campus. Additionally, there is a 56% graduation rate, and a 40% dropout rate, after the first year. Each year, the students are engaged in hands on learning experiences.
During our visit, university faculty presented to us about the Aeronautical Engineering program. We went through the anatomy of an airplane, the historical timelines of flight, and the future/sustainability involved in the industry. We were presented with many diagrams displaying the parts involved in taking flight, and these diagrams had a heavy emphasis on the science behind balance and stability. An interesting fact we learned includes the purpose of winglets, the upturning ends on a plane’s wings, which disrupt cloud swirls and reduce required energy usage from the engines. Additionally, in terms of the history of flight, we learned of three ages: the pioneering age, the commercial age, and a the age of sustainable growth. The pioneering age takes place between 1903 and 1945. In this era, the Wright brothers took the first controlled flight in 1903, the first aircraft flew across the English Channel in 1909, and the world wars set into an innovative flight movement. In the commercial era, which takes place between 1945 and 2000, flight became more popular and became a business. Finally, in the current era, the age of sustainable growth; the airplane itself is being improved, the industry is being capitalized upon, regulations are formed, and technological solutions and initiatives come to fruition.
After our informative presentation on what InHolland Delft University has to offer, in terms of Aeronautical Engineering, we headed off to their workshops. First, we stopped at the composite lab. In this lab, we learned about a student-led satellite project that has clime and air pollution initiatives. They aim to launch this satellite in 2027, and its cost well over 2 million euros. The satellite will have optical communication, not just radio frequencies. The lab is very much on the front end of “concept to consumer,” and is developing new technology without necessary business aims. The next stop, was a tour of their flight workshop. Here we saw a model plane that the second-years compete with as part of their education. In their workshop, we did a team activity in which we built glider planes of our own, tested their capabilities, and then competed with them. My team came in 3rd place.
A few of us got a chance to sit and steer in a flight simulation. I got a chance to fly the plane and promptly crashed the plane with everyone aboard! I learned through this that the pilot life is not for me, not that it was ever an option! This was fun and interactive, and was a good break from informational speeches. It was nice to interact with the students who led us around campus, and just generally tour the area.
After our wonderful visit to the university, we were treated to a sweet treat of these elaborate milkshakes. I had a delicious vegan chocolate shake, and we enjoyed just relaxing for a little bit. While sitting at the dessert shop, it rained for the first time all trip, and it really down poured! After our treats, we were swept off to another canal cruise, but this time in the city of Delft. Delft has similarities to Amsterdam, especially in architecture, but is truly amazing in its own way. There is so much history, and our guide did a good job explaining. I thought it was interesting when we passed the house of the scientist who first discovered the existence of microbes, and coined them “little animals,” and took his findings to Oxford. Additionally, we passed a beautiful clock tower that the Prince of Wales once inhabited and worked in. The row houses had unique charm, and I enjoyed being back on the water.
We had such a long day, and headed back to the hostel. I took a much needed nap, and am off to get dinner. Today was action packed, and very fun. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!