Research and Development Center

CHRISTINA

Hometown:
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston Township High School

Major:
Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Technology and Management

Favorite class right now:
Business Etiquette, because it’s teaching me about the various rules in the social and business environment.

Favorite place to study:
Undergraduate Library

Favorite food near campus:
When I want to really splurge, I like Alexander’s Steakhouse. One of my goals before I graduate is to try the 3-pound steak. If you finish it, you get your picture on the wall!

What brought you to the State Farm Research and Development Center?
The project I was hired for initially was called the Dangerous Intersections Project. I was responsible for researching various driving simulators that are available on the market. I liked the idea of having a part-time job that was a significant learning experience, rather than mindless labor.

Favorite thing about being an intern here:
The work environment at the Research and Development Center … the open workstations facilitate an environment that is serious but relaxed at the same time, so coming into work doesn’t feel like the typical office cubicle setting.

What I wish I'd known about college life before coming to the U of I:
I wish I had known how fast the four years will pass by … I would have explored more and reached out earlier in college life than I did, because the four years seemed to have flown by way too quickly.

One word to describe me:
Extroverted

In my wildest dreams, after graduation I'll be:
Spending the summer on the beach in Hawaii or southern California; surfing, exploring, and making new friends.