Graduate Student Spotlight: Colin Trussa

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Colin Trussa

Where is your hometown?

Brunswick, Ohio

What is your area of study and what made you pursue it?

My research focus is applied aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, with a specific focus on delta wings. I was drawn to this topic after I took the senior year aircraft design course. In that class I was part of a team that designed a supersonic aircraft with a delta wing and from that point on I was hooked. I think delta wings just look the coolest and have some very interesting aerodynamic characteristics.

What brought you to Ohio State?

I’ve attended OSU as an undergraduate as well as a graduate student. I came to OSU for my undergraduate degree because I was interested in the aerospace program. I stayed on into graduate school because of the interesting (and fun) research work I can do here at the Aerospace Research Center.

What do you like most about the major and opportunities OSU allows?

Beyond the impressive labs and courses, I really appreciate how the program offers opportunities for students to grow their interest in teaching. I have taken the Future Academic Scholars Training program and it has greatly influenced me to pursue a career in academia.

What is the best class you have taken so far and why?

My favorite class is a toss-up between Advanced Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance and Flight Test Engineering. Who could pick one over the other when Advanced Aero helped me decide on a research topic for graduate school and Flight Test Engineering let me fly in a general aviation aircraft and run actual flight tests?!

What advice would you give high school students considering pursuing engineering as a major?

Do not go in thinking you know exactly what you want to do. Find a major that seems to pique your interest but do not be afraid to change gears once you learn more about the field of engineering. That insight can come from coursework, experience on one of the many student project teams or an internship.

What is an important decision you made during your time at MAE?

My most important decision was to continue into the graduate program. Without making that decision I would not have been able to do research that I love or gain valuable experience in teaching.

What was your favorite activity to do as a kid?

I always enjoyed riding my bike as a kid. That interest has grown into my current love for mountain biking.

Category: Spotlights