When asked to imagine a “typical” engineer, many people may find themselves conjuring images of sleep-deprived, math-obsessed or highly-analytical individuals.
In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all stereotype for engineering professionals – engineers come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life.
In the video series “Secret Lives of Engineers,” the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering challenges conventional engineering stereotypes by exploring engineers’ lives beyond the classroom and workplace. The series highlights the wealth of diverse talents, ambitions and passions that engineers bring to the table.
In the second installment of the series, we introduce you to electrical and computer engineering student Michael Pincus, a professional cyclist who can be found racing in competitions all over the world when he’s not inside the classroom.
For Pincus, who serves as coach for the UH collegiate cycling team, cycling isn’t just a way to blow off steam while earning his engineering degree – bicycles and cycling are a natural extension of his passion for engineering.
“Cycling and engineering are quite similar,” he said. “Cycling is actually a very engineering-friendly sport.”
Pincus said many of his engineering peers find cycling to be a natural fit because of the focus and regimented training required to succeed at a professional level – qualities that are also required for completing an engineering degree. Some engineering and cycling enthusiasts take it a step farther, Pincus said, by studying and perfecting the aerodynamics of their bicycle.
Learn more about Pincus in the latest installment of Cullen College’s “Secret Lives of Engineers” series at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq0TsbFUsYQ