This engineering grad's plan for success led him to NASA

Each day at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., Purdue University Calumet graduate Bryan Robles analyzes and designs new rocket propulsion systems through computer based simulation.

Robles, 28, an aerospace engineer, earned his baccalaureate and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Purdue Calumet in 2000 and 2002, respectively.

The Hammond native believes it is important to obtain future work related experience prior to graduation in order to impress prospective employers. He spent three semesters as an intern at AM Manufacturing in Dolton, Ill. while an undergraduate and a year after graduation.

Much of Robles' graduate work focused on the study of computational fluid dynamics, which he credits with helping him prepare for his job with NASA.

Robles said it was, in large part, the influence of Purdue Calumet Professor of Mechanical Engineering Chenn Zhou's influence that led to his decision to pursue a master's degree.

Zhou described Robles as highly motivated and hard working.

Robles said his mother, Carmen Torres-Robles, a Purdue Calumet professor of Spanish, is the one who helped instill in him the drive to work hard and not limit himself.

"She taught me to never compare myself amongst others, but to measure myself by honestly asking, 'Can I still do better?' and to believe that I can," Robles said.