YANN PFITZER > Student
Engineering
From: Geneva, Switzerland.
Work: Student/Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Mechanical Engineering major.
Hobbies: Skiing.
Recent book: East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
Favorite food from Switzerland: Raclette.
Favorite spot in Switzerland: La Barillette, Vaud.
What drew you to the University of Pennsylvania?
In my case I was really interested in VIPER, a dual degree program focused on energy research. I applied to a few schools in the U.S., as an alternative to Swiss schools, that held equal credibility. Considering the excellent options in Switzerland, my parents did not recommend that I go to study in the US unless it was for a top tier school.
What is the biggest misconception about engineering?
I’m technically not an engineer yet, but a common misconception is when friends assume that I’m somehow qualified to fix their toaster or help restart their cars. 95% of the time we’re doing math, it’s more theoretical, and not very applied. Another misconception is that engineering is one dimensional. Realistically you are getting exposure to many outside influences such as economics and humanity needs. For engineers to develop a product you have to take in more than just science. Minimizing costs, how to produce a product, and design. It is not just technical and requires awareness in many fields.
Where can people find your work and how can they get involved?
You can find a few articles on me and my focus. I am working on a publication I hope to finish within the year. I think for students getting involved, it is important to ask professors to participate in research or ask if they can help in the lab. To be able to do work that you feel is on the cutting edge is exciting, I recommend to any students to participate in research.
Do you have any advice for young students in Switzerland or the U.S. studying engineering?
It’s very easy to get lost in the technicalities, it’s important to remember the bigger picture of why you are doing that work. That’s true in research as well, it’s so easy to get sucked into one tiny aspect. Remind yourself why you like engineering and broaden your view. The U.S. is slightly different, there’s a bit more personal feel here, you can talk to professors easily through things like office hours. I think those resources are very important here, and they often go unused. I would suggest students take advantage of them.
What do you think had the most influence on you growing up?
I spent most of my time outdoors in my childhood. Skiing, hiking, so from a young age I wanted to do something that has an impact on the natural world. Ski racing was an activity I enjoyed and my favorite spot was skiing on the glaciers. Due to this, I have a very personal connection to climate change and that inspired my interest to contribute to helping the environment. Growing up I was always using my hands and found a passion for engineering. The way the two worlds come together for me is new energy research. There’s a demand for people who know the energy world.
What does success mean to you?
At 20, you aren’t fully aware of what it is. How I would define it, when you reach the end of your career, you’ve made some type of lasting impression on the world. Also, being able to achieve professional success, allowing you the flexibility to do the things you enjoy. I think for a Swiss person in America, the idea of success is different. People here are very career-driven, focused on things like climbing corporate ladders. Swiss people are more worried about personal growth and happiness.
What do you miss most about Switzerland?
The food. I miss having access to good bread and cheese, the mountains, and nature. What struck me in Philadelphia is that it was more difficult to get out and be around nature like back home.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Penn Today | “Shrinking Swiss Glaciers Inspire Undergraduate Student’s Energy Research at Penn”.
Yann Pfitzer, C’19 | “Understanding Trends and Variability in Ocean Phytoplankton from Satellite Data”.
We welcome your comments at swissimpact.pa@gmail.com
Thank you!