Outstanding Senior
Tari Rockets Toward Success
By Alex Keimig
Parsa Tari, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering this spring, has been selected to receive this year’s Outstanding Senior award.
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 from which he had 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.”
Outstanding Junior
Gaucin Excels as First Gen Scholar
By Alex Keimig
Jonathan Gaucin, currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, has been selected as this year’s Outstanding Junior. He is a first-generation student who hopes to illustrate the impact that others in similar circumstances can have in academia and the world.
“My mom didn’t graduate from high school in Mexico. My dad did. But I don’t have anybody in my family who’s ever been to university before, so being the first one here was a little bit nerve-wracking at the beginning,” Gaucin said. “Still, my family has always supported me wholeheartedly, instilling the values of hard work and perseverance which I’ve carried with me throughout my journey.”
He poured his energy into “trying to thrive, not just survive” by getting to know his fellow students and staying caught up on academics.
“At the beginning I was very nervous; I wanted to be able to talk to people and make friends naturally — to make connections and grow within the college,” he said. “Seeking mentorship helped me a lot in being where I am today. I’ll always be grateful to those people and to the Engineering and Honors Colleges as a whole for helping me get through the transition and really start thriving.”
Gaucin chose the University of Houston because he “was looking for something close to home that would also offer a good education,” which was a great fit for his “curiosity and passion for” engineering.
“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” he said. “I really like the potential to innovate in electrical engineering.”
When he’s not knee-deep in the books, Gaucin serves as both a research assistant for Vedhus Hoskere’s Structures and Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL) as well as president of student organization CougarAI.
“I kind of grew up with them, moving up through the ranks of officership, and now [as president] I’ve been able to give back to the community across UH: to help educate, lead workshops, and get industry partners engaged in this new technological revolution. It has felt really amazing to be part of that team and that community — helping first to build it and now to lead it,” he said. In February, Gaucin received an award from the Engineering Alumni Association (EAA). As a senior, Gaucin looks forward to continuing his “good work.”
“I’ll still be supporting CougarAI, doing research here at UH and for another NSF-sponsored research project, which I was able to present at a conference this semester. I’m looking forward to continuing my research and my community-based endeavors, as well as rising to that next level and applying for graduate school to see what opportunities lie ahead.”