Meet Our Students
Garett Costa
Participated in MRE-C: 2023
Hometown: Kahului, HI
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What lab(s) or faculty member(s) are you working with?
Boron Compounds: Dr. Severa (UH) and Strain Control in Solids: Dr. Dera (UH)
Tell a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised on the island of Maui. I graduated from Maui Community College with an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) in 2008. After working for nearly ten years as an Information Systems Technician, I decided to go back to school and pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering. I graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College with an AS in Natural Science – Engineering Concentration in Spring 2020. I transferred to The University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering in Fall 2020 and I will graduate with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in Fall 2023. I am a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), council member of the Engineers’ Council of the University of Hawai‘i (ECUH), member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, STEM Scholar of the Native Hawaiian Science and Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP), and pledge for the Hawaii Sigma Pi Chapter of Pi Tau Sigma (PTS).
How or why did you become part of this research opportunity?
A peer mentioned the MRE-C program and shared that I would be interested in this research opportunity. Participating in this program grants me the incredible opportunity to gain research experience, network with students and faculty, and connect with industry professionals, while enhancing my marketability in the engineering field. As an advocate for minorities and women, I believe that my participation spreads awareness and inspires those that are under-represented to pursue a career in STEM.
What is the focus of the research you're doing?
The focus of my research is to synthesize and characterize metallo ionic liquids and salts. I will be involved in x-ray diffraction and thermal analysis of the metallo ionic materials.
When thinking about the work you're doing or will be doing, what are you most excited about?
I took ME 331, Materials Science and Engineering, and I was fascinated with the atomic and crystalline structures of materials and their effect on the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. I am excited to apply the principles of thermogravimetric analysis to learn more about metallo ionic liquids and salts, which aligns with my interests in Heat Transfer and Material Science. I am excited to gain valuable research experience and apply the knowledge that I have acquired over the course of my academic career.
What are your future visions/goals?
My future vision is to enlist in the Bachelor’s & Master's Degree (BAM) Pathway and pursue my MS in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Thermal and Fluid Sciences or Materials and Manufacturing. One of my future goals is to procure my Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification. Another goal is to work in the engineering field, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, and become a licensed professional engineer.
What would you say to someone who's interested in joining this program?
This partnership between The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and The University of Washington establishes the foundation for collaboration and long-term growth for students including Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and women interested in STEM. This program provides students with bountiful opportunities to gain hands-on experience in their field of study and build connections with faculty that will ensure their academic success