Hey! My name is Chris Clineff, and I’m a freshman in SSOE pursuing Mechanical Engineering in the David C. Frederick Honors College. I plan on completing two minors in Electrical and Space Engineering to fulfill my passion in control systems and rocket propulsion design. Before moving to the University of Pittsburgh, I lived in Phoenixville, PA, about 20 minutes west of King of Prussia and 45 minutes northwest of Philadelphia. Since coming to Pitt, I’ve been active with SOAR (Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry) as a mechanical and manufacturing engineer. I’m also involved with Habitat for Humanity and work in the Benedum Makerspaces as a mentor for the space. Back at Phoenixville, I was on the Varsity Soccer team, as well as a club team, and was also a baritone and sousaphone player for the marching band. I love learning and taking advantage of my opportunities, so it was an obvious choice to take on the Plus3 program to South Korea.
Academically, I am incredibly excited for the engineering curriculum. I am quite ahead in credits, which leaves me room to take technical electives in material structures and space system design, as well as contribute to my research positions. This gives me plenty of space to fit in my electrical and space engineering minor and truly maximize the opportunities I can gain from Pitt.
During my degree and in the professional world, I plan to take advantage of the internships and Co-Ops available and enter the workforce focusing on control systems and thermodynamics in the aerospace industry. It’ll be challenging and competitive, but like I said, I have a passion for learning and value all the opportunities available to me, which leads me here: Plus3 Korea.
Considering South Korea’s emphasis on smart, dynamic systems, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge technology, choosing this location was a no-brainer. This will further my understanding of the engineering design process and its implementation into companies, as well as reveal the nuances of control systems and smart communication. Not only that, but I am so excited for the culture, food, and architecture of South Korea. I cannot wait to try the food and experience life there, it’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Time to say goodbye, but I’ll see you all soon…in South Korea!