Joel Rinehart  

${defaultAlt}
 
Why did you choose the USNA ME Department when you were major hunting?
Mechanical Engineering was what I had intended on majoring in coming in to the Academy, and going to the open houses plebe year only solidified that decision as I saw the different opportunities available in the department.
What benefits do you think there will be from your engineering education?
Whether I choose to stay in the Navy for life or become a civilian at some point having a degree in engineering will do nothing but open doors for me. Be it Test Pilot School or The Nuclear Power Program in the Navy or getting an engineering job in the civilian world the technical background from an engineering degree will only help.
What do you do besides major in ME?
I am a pitcher for the baseball team.
Has majoring in ME made it difficult to do other things you want to do?
No, it just requires some work and seeking out help whenever you are in need. If it is something you care about you can find a way to make it work.
What do you think makes the USNA ME Department unique?
Every professor I have had has always been willing to help and genuinely cares about each student's success. Mechanical Engineering also offers a broad range of courses which gives you lots of options when picking electives.
What else do you have to share?
If you have any interest in picking ME as your major you owe it yourself to seek out professors in the department or current students to answer your questions.
Back to top