Janet Tsai
5-year member

Dr. Janet Y. Tsai

Instructor and Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Ask A Question
Ask a Question
0/ 200 chars Your Question
Search Janet's Questions & Answers
  • Anne

    Added Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 8:14 AM

    Hello! I am a mechanical engineering student, I would like to know what do mechanical engineers actually do? Do they do calculus everyday? Are they all obligated to design and literally invent something new? Do they work with a team? And can you please give me tips on what I should do and expect as an engineering student and hopefully a future engineer.
    Answers 1
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 8:14 AM
    Hello Anne! These are great questions - the trick is that Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields, so it's tough to answer what a mechanical engineer "actually does." One way to think about it is that mechanical engineers work on ...
  • Megan

    Added Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 4:52 PM

    Hello, my name is Megan and I am a rising sophomore at Stanford interested in mechanical engineering. I've always been interested in cars and learning how they work so I decided to join the Solar Car team at my university. However, its has been difficult for me to feel like I am part of the team as a new member. Everyone is so smart and the majority of team are guys that can be very difficult to approach. Even though I love cars, I still have a lot to learn to become a contributing member of ...
    Answers 1
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 4:52 PM
    Hi Megan, 
    
    These are great questions and serious issues that you raise - even asking and bringing these things up indicate a high level of social awareness and team dynamics, valuable skills for any project team! 
    
    First - it is hard to join any ...
  • Nisha, Lucknow

    Added Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 2:19 PM

    Hello, I am Nisha Singh from India. I am pursuing Mechanical Engineering third year. I want to know what company asks girls to do? Can a girl help in manufacturing a car or designing engines? or such kind of works which people think could not be done by girls.
    Answers 2
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 2:19 PM

    Dear Nisha, 

    One of the advantages of Mechanical Engineering is that the field is very broad, so the tasks you could be asked to complete are as diverse as you can imagine. The two things you mention - manufacturing a car or designing engines - are ...

  • Abdirahim, Nairiob

    Added Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 4:32 AM

    Which certificates do I need to get when applying mechanical engineering job?
    Answers 1
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 4:32 AM
    It depends on the industry in which you are applying and the country! 
    
    In the USA - most engineering companies recognize the FE (fundamentals of engineering) as well as PE (professional engineering) certifications. More details on those ...
  • Ignacia, Austin TX

    Added Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 3:10 AM

    I am a Mechanical Engineering student, and I am currently struggling with my classes, I love engineering, but the fact that I'm not getting the material has caused my motivation to decrease. I don't want to quit, but I am in a place where I am doubting if I made the right choice. Like I said, I love engineering and I don't see myself doing anything else.
    Answers 1
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 3:10 AM
    Hi Ignacia! 
    
    The feeling of struggling with classes is familiar to most engineering students - you are not alone! Engineering courses are hard and they require a lot of time and other resources which are not the easiest to come by. I encourage you to ...
  • katie, ireland

    Added Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    Hey, I'm studying to become an engineer here in Ireland!!. Currently i have to write a paper in why there is so little girl power in engineering. Please post your ideas and suggestions on fields I should discuss!!!
    Answers 1
    Janet Tsai, University of Colorado Boulder
    Answered Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 7:30 AM
    Hi Katie!
    
    It's great you are studying to be an engineer in Ireland. Your question is complicated, and know first of all that this is a big research area that many people have been studying since the 1970's! Luckily though, there are many resources ...