Nicholas Chun Hin

There is no denying that engineering has fascinated me since a young age. From childhood, I had a passion for automobiles, staying up to watch Formula 1 and endurance prototype racing, mesmerized by their aerodynamic and mechanical design. I aspired to become either a car designer or an automotive engineer; thus, I chose to pursue a mechanical engineering degree to hone the fundamentals, and what better place to do in Hong Kong’s leading institution for engineering studies!

Since joining HKUST, I have been inspired by the passion and drive that our students have in both their studies and extracurricular activities; the school and student-led teams provided opportunities for me to take a leap of faith and develop my character through being a Student Technical Assistant in the Undergraduate-Student Experiential Learning (USEL) Lab, undergo a summer internship with a faculty member to design an optical therapeutic device for medical purposes, and lead the aerodynamics team of Red Bird Racing – the School’s electric vehicle racing team. These experiences equipped me with an inquisitive and persevering mindset – where the ideal solution may not be the attainable answer – employing experiential learning alongside assistance from our supportive faculty members.

Adaptability and resilience allow me to persevere through the challenges thrown at me, and I believe anyone can adopt this mindset to overcome their toughest of battles. Since beginning my studies at HKUST, from undergraduate to master, my direction has deviated toward material science – but I could not be any more grateful – as I have found an interest I would not have imagined. My dream of being in the automotive industry is not short-lived, as battery technology is a huge topic explored within, and material science is a field at its forefront. Engineering itself is diverse, where the worlds of each discipline intertwine, providing a plethora of opportunities. I hope this experience can encourage and is a testament to not faltering when plans or outcomes are hindered.