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Abrar Rafi (ME, ASAR 4th Year) is from Bangladesh and considered colleges in Canada, the United States, and Australia before deciding to attend Illinois Tech, which he says now feels like a second home.

“Illinois Tech is a unique kind of university, standing out even among other small schools. One of its most remarkable aspects is its brilliant community. The people here are incredibly friendly,” he says. “The rigorous curriculum and ample undergraduate research opportunities, such as working directly with professors and participating in competitions, provide invaluable hands-on experience. The small-school atmosphere fosters deep friendships and strong mentorship from faculty.”

He says that receiving the prestigious M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholarship allowed him to focus on academics without the stress of financial concerns.

“The Leadership Academy provides training through seminars and events to hone our leadership potential, which has had a profound impact on my development as a student leader and my ability to spread leadership across campus,” says Abrar.

He has put those skills to use in many ways, including taking on leadership roles in student organizations, becoming a resident adviser, and serving as a Hawk Ambassador.

Abrar says his academic experience has been excellent, allowing him to feel confident that he is prepared to excel in an engineering career. He has taken advantage of the Accelerated Master’s Program and is on track to complete both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years.

“We have numerous opportunities to work in groups and apply the theoretical knowledge we’ve gained in class to real-world scenarios,” he says. “These hands-on projects challenge our engineering skills more effectively than traditional exams and tests, as they simulate actual job responsibilities.”

His choice of extracurricular activities has supplemented these real-world experiences. Every year Illinois Tech students participate the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’s , creating a remote-controlled, electric-powered aircraft that is put to the test against designs by teams from around the globe.

“I joined the [DBF] team in my first year and learned a tremendous amount from the senior students. Over time, I worked my way up the ladder, eventually serving as president of the student organization,” he says. “This experience has been incredibly rewarding, teaching me invaluable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and engineering design.”

He has also participated in undergraduate research through the Armour R&D program, was a team member on Illinois Tech’s finals-reaching team in the prestigious XPRIZE Rainforest competition, and worked as a manufacturing quality intern at Optimus Solutions.

“Despite its size, Illinois Tech has a high research output, allowing undergraduates to work directly with professors and engage in meaningful research projects,” says Abrar. “This hands-on experience extends learning beyond the classroom, providing invaluable practical skills and deeper insights into their fields of study. These opportunities for direct mentorship and active participation in research are crucial for personal and academic growth. They prepare students not only for future careers but also for advanced studies.”

Life in �糵���� has opened doors for Abrar on many fronts, offering access to internships, networking events, and potential job opportunities in addition to many enriching cultural, social, and recreational activities.

“From attending industry conferences to exploring the city’s museums, theaters, and parks, my time in �糵���� has been both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling,” he says.

Abrar is interested in pursuing doctoral studies, but he says that regardless of what path he takes he intends to use his Illinois Tech education and experiences to drive advancements in engineering.

“These experiences have taught me the importance of community engagement, personal growth, and effective communication,” he says. “I aim to leverage my leadership experiences to foster inclusive and supportive communities in my professional life, just as I have done at Illinois Tech. Ultimately, I aspire to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”