Andreea Marinescu
For Andreea Marinescu, a Chemical Engineering major and Student Ambassador for the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, her field of study is about more than science and problem-solving. It’s about making a difference.
Marinescu’s family moved from Romania to Hendersonville, TN, in 2015. Ever since she was a kid, Marinescu was fascinated by the sciences, and enjoyed solving problems. But how could she apply these things that interested her into a tangible, attainable future? Into a career?
“I learned about engineering from my siblings,” Marinescu said, “and I was drawn to its impact on the world.”
At its core, engineering is about making the world a better place. Using hard sciences, mathematics, and critical thinking skills, engineers invent, create, and improve the machinations that drive our daily lives.
Or, in Marinescu’s words, it’s about “the ability to combine creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving to make a meaningful impact.”
More specifically, Marinescu majors in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering. This tract equips her with the tools for “both engineering innovation and medical advancements, whether in pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, or medical technology.”
Simply put, the Biomolecular Engineering concentration gives her a wide range of career opportunities with a single goal at its core: helping others.
One of the most challenging things about Chemical Engineering is applying theory to real life. With a major entrenched in chemistry, physics and advanced mathematics, sometimes complex problems don’t always have a straightforward solution. At the heart of these problems, an Engineering student can apply the old adage, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. For Marinescu, she overcomes these challenges by maintaining what she calls a “growth mindset.”
“When faced with complex problems, I break them down into smaller steps and apply fundamental principles to approach a solution logically.”
She also makes use of the multitude of resources on Tech’s campus, including seeking advice from her professors and peers.
Two professors who helped Marinescu during her journey as a Chemical Engineer at Tech were Robby Sanders and Chester Little.
In Marinescu’s words, Sanders “has such a passion for both the subject and the students, and his teaching style really brings complex topics to life,” and Little “made time to support students, not just academically, but also personally, encouraging us to pursue internships, research opportunities, and get involved in professional organizations.”
Marinescu’s professors made difficult subjects interesting, bringing vitality and meaning to complicated topics. Their openness and interest in their students’ goals reflect Tech’s dedication to supporting their students as individual people with their own passions and dreams.
“It made me feel like I wasn’t just a student,” Marinescu said, “but a part of a community where people genuinely care about your success.”
As a Student Ambassador for the College of Engineering, Marinescu has the chance to give back to the community. A Student Ambassador is someone who represents the college by organizing and participating in local events, shares their experiences with prospective (and current) students, and builds lasting connections with professionals in the area.
“I serve as the Outreach Coordinator for the COE Student Ambassadors, and a key part of my role has been organizing hands-on STEM activities for high school students, aiming to spark their interest in engineering,” Marinescu said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to inspire future engineers and help shape the next generation of students entering the field.”
For students interested in Chemical Engineering as a major, Marinescu suggests focusing on math, science and physics. Staying organized is important, as well as seeking help from professors and peers when faced with a bump in the road.
“I would tell someone thinking about attending Tech to definitely go for it, especially if they’re looking for a supportive environment where they can grow both academically and personally. The faculty here are really invested in students' success, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in clubs, research, networking and outreach programs.”