Mechanical engineering graduate is ready for duty

December 17, 2020

Camille Phillips has an aptitude for math, especially calculus. She first discovered her passion for complex applications when she was in high school. Encouraged by her high school calculus teacher to study engineering in college, Phillips gave it a try. This week, she will walk across the commencement stage at Georgia Southern University for her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“I am fascinated with all that I can do with my major,” Phillips said. “Mechanical engineering in particular can be applied to so many different types of jobs, from the aerospace industry to manufacturing, to vehicle design, to the nuclear sector. I love all of the applications of this discipline.”

Phillips, a University Honors College student, credits her success in the engineering program to her mentor, Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D., the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy.

“He has propelled me to where I am today,” said Phillips, who is from Savannah. “He has given me so many opportunities to excel in my field, from helping me apply for summer research experiences and scholarships, to facilitating contacts with professors and outside companies. The skills and knowledge that he has shared with me over the past two years have been indispensable in my growth as a student.”

As a junior, Phillips became a lead researcher in Soloiu’s Aerospace and Combustion Laboratory in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. She considers her involvement in Soloiu’s research lab to be her most rewarding experience at Georgia Southern, not only for the friendships she forged but also for the fun she had doing cool experiments.

“I knew I wanted to work in Dr. Valentin Soloiu’s research lab because he equips all of his researchers with the knowledge and skills for the workforce,” she said. “The research conducted there excited me but it was very intimidating at the start due to the high expectations of working there. When I was named a lead researcher, I was so thankful to be recognized for the work that I had done.”

With a 3.9 GPA, Phillips distinguished herself as a standout student in her four-and-a-half years at Georgia Southern. Although she focused on academics, she didn’t overlook opportunities offered outside the classroom. She joined the Society of Women Engineers and Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers, and served a term as treasurer of both Women in Technology and Catholic Eagles. During an Alternative Break trip to El Salvador, she was a volunteer at local schools and a community center. However, the engineering major emphasized one experience stands out above the rest.

“My favorite experience at Georgia Southern was participating in an exchange program to Canada as a resident advisor,” she explained. “I lived in Waterloo, Canada, and attended Wilfrid Laurier University. I had the best time there. Through my work in residence there, I met some amazing people and experienced a whole new educational environment that allowed me to expand my worldview in different ways.”

Now that she is preparing to leave Georgia Southern, Phillips is grateful for the impact the University has had on her life.

“Georgia Southern has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and by doing so, I have been able to explore my interests and skills to learn more about what I want to do in my life,” she said. “Georgia Southern has taught me to never stop learning and to always be open to trying something new.”

As for what’s next, the Georgia Southern scholar will soon report for military duty. After graduation, Phillips will be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy to serve as a nuclear prototype instructor. As for now, she is focused on celebrating her graduation with parents and family.

“I think they will be proud of me,” she said. “My father was in the U.S. Air Force and I think that because I am also going into military service, there will be some bittersweet but immensely proud feelings as well.”