Amy Faville

Where are you from?

I am from Avon, New York, a village about an hour east of Buffalo.

Why did you choose UB?

UB is a well-known school for students looking to pursue an engineering degree and, as an added bonus, for an affordable price. I was initially deciding between UB and other engineering colleges in NY state, but as soon as I toured campus, I knew that UB was the place for me. I was very impressed by the campus facilities, as well as the supportive atmosphere and the abundant opportunities to get involved at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

What do you like most about engineering at UB?

Engineering at UB can be whatever you want to make out of it. The program itself has numerous electives that you can tailor towards your interests to find your niche. Outside of classes, there are countless opportunities to get involved in engineering clubs, research or projects. This enables students to find not only their passions, but a strong network of diverse yet like-minded individuals.

Why did you choose to go into engineering?

I was born and raised in a family of engineers, with both of my parents being mechanical engineers. I have always been fascinated by problems that seem difficult to solve or understand and that drew me to engineering. In high school, I was fortunate to participate in Project Lead the Way courses and Cornell summer programs through 4-H that showed me the excitement of engineering and where it could take me.

What is your favorite place on campus?

I really enjoy studying in the Bell computer lab. Everything technologically that you need is right there as well as a community of engineering friends to catch up and collaborate with.

What are you working on right now?

Currently, I am an undergraduate research assistant under Dr. Matthew Burge where I evaluate methods for the observation of fluid and heat transfer phenomena. My most recent project is focused on using non-invasive techniques, such as infrared technology, to measure the natural convection heat transfer coefficient of lumped 3D objects and investigating the significance of geometrical differences. I’m looking forward to presenting this research with my colleagues at the 5^th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference (TFEC) this coming April. 

What else do you do on campus?

I am largely involved in the freshman engineering course, EAS199, where I have helped mentor project groups for the past three years, as well as worked as a teaching assistant for labs this past semester. Through my involvement with EAS199, I have witnessed students grow as engineers by learning how to use the engineering design process and think like an engineer. In addition, I was a teaching assistant for the undergraduate fluid mechanics course through the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Being a TA not only allows me to solidify my understanding of material, but is a rewarding experience through which I know I have helped students become better engineers, build their networks, and even made new friends as a result.

I have also been an active member of Theta Tau, a professional co-ed engineering fraternity on campus. I joined the organization my freshman year and have since held leadership positions such as treasurer, vice president, and committee head of brotherhood and rush committees. My involvement in Theta Tau gives me an opportunity to connect with other students in the school of engineering, mentor younger engineers, and participate in outreach through the UB community such as service, professional development and cultural events.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of landing several internships before my senior year. Sophomore year, I worked as a project/CAD engineering intern at Fresenius Kabi here in Buffalo. As it was my first internship, I was relatively intimidated, but soon realized that my engineering experience at UB had exceedingly prepared me to do well in this position. As a result, I successfully implemented projects during a plant-wide shut down while simultaneously completing my spring semester of classes. The following summer, I interned at Delphi Technologies where I was tasked with investigating a novel calibration technique for GDI fuel injectors. This position taught me to step up and ask questions and by the end of the internship, present my findings and deliver a path forward for the company.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about finding unique solutions to challenging problems, especially those that involve helping others. Through my time at UB, I have focused on mentoring other students to help them find their way in the same way the UB engineering community helped me find mine. I hope to carry that over into my future career and design products that improve individuals' daily lives.

What are your future plans?

Upon graduation, I will begin a full-time career at Fisher-Price as a product development engineer. I also plan on attending graduate school in the near future as a part-time student.

What is your advice for prospective students?

It is okay to feel lost and not have an exact plan, but you don’t find that plan by just sitting around. Get up and get involved as much as you can, because these four years will fly by. Looking back, everything you do will be formative, whether good or bad. Engineering at UB gave me the skills I needed to succeed, but also taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself is where the best progress is made.

Amy Faville received a 2020 Leaders in Excellence Scholarship from the UB Engineering and Applied Sciences Alumni Association (UBEAA).