Parsa Tari, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering this spring, has been selected to receive the 2024–25 Outstanding Senior award from the Cullen College of Engineering.
Having developed an early interest in aerospace engineering thanks to a NASA-employed neighbor when he was a child, Tari said that it was an “obvious choice” to attend the University of Houston due to its physical proximity to aerospace industry opportunities.
His decision has paid off in more ways than one.
“At the end of my junior year, I found a job opportunity at a company called Leidos. I’ve learned a lot, and I think my learning in that position has been really important. That was a very big deal for me, and it’s something I’m definitely proud of and happy about,” he said.
Though getting involved with campus life and social opportunities was a bit trickier as a commuting student, Tari is particularly thankful for the friendships he made in his junior year and through Space City Rocketry, for which he also served as a lead on two different sub-teams last year.
Tari initially joined Space City Rocketry to get more hands-on aerospace-related skills and experience, learning to make things from solid rocket propellant to fiberglass tubes.
“You’re working with a lot of other people, and I really enjoy getting to interact with people and learn more about different types of engineering, like electrical and chemical engineering. It broadens your horizons,” he said.
Some of those same friends are now members of Tari’s capstone team, which he credits with bolstering his development as an engineer.
“They’ve helped me get through hard patches and have taught me so much,” he added. “If I need cheering up, they’re always there for me.”
Tari also expressed his gratitude for the support of Kamel Salama Endowed Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Haleh Ardebili, who helped connect him with her research group. That allowed him the opportunity to learn more about problem-solving approaches and operating in professional engineering environments.
After graduation, Tari hopes to continue with Leidos in a full-time capacity.
“In addition to their support for the ISS,” he said, “Leidos is also getting into some other projects that I hope be able to work on after graduation as an engineer and help further support the development of space exploration.”