Modulus Student Spotlight: Aaron Lipton

In the world of engineering, where learning meets hands-on skills, the Modulus Student Spotlight is here to shine a light on students stepping into materials and composites studies. We're not just focusing on the textbooks; we're celebrating the big dreams that shape the future of the industry. Meet Aaron Lipton from Passaic, New Jersey studying Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers University.

So, come along as we dive into Aaron's story!

Aaron takes us back to the origins of his fascination, recounting childhood days spent playing with electric model trains and Lego—a prelude to a lifelong desire to become an engineer. Growing up as the second youngest among seven siblings, Aaron shares a glimpse into his formative years and the evolving love for understanding how things work. “I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. I have always been fascinated by how things work and how they are made,” Aaron says.

Aaron reveals a multifaceted persona that includes a love for reading, making things, and the thrill of cycling on his road bike. However, it's his role as the Composites Lead at the Rutgers Formula Racing (RFR) team that adds a distinctive chapter to his college experience. “I joined RFR when I came to Rutgers as a freshman and I greatly enjoy what I do with the team.” From material testing to manufacturing components, Aaron thrives on the challenges and rewards of leading a crucial aspect of the RFR team.

Aaron details his dream job as a Composites Manufacturing Engineer. The role involves designing and refining processes, crafting procedures, designing tooling, and conducting hands-on testing. Amidst these ambitions, Aaron opens up about the significance of his Orthodox Jewish background, which influences the choice of potential employers, such as Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) in Maryland. “I discovered them in an article in Composites World magazine earlier this year. They are a very cool outfit that manufactures parts for OEM’s like Airbus, Boeing, and Lockheed to name a few. They are also located near a large Jewish community in Baltimore, making this one of the few places that fit what I am looking for.” The article unveils Aaron’s meticulous considerations and unique approach to aligning personal and professional values. He also shares, “I have also thought about working at a smaller, more “boutique” outfit, such as Clear Carbon & Components in Rhode Island, that works on custom composite components for small customers, as this would probably allow me to be more involved in the manufacturing process which is something I greatly enjoy doing with my club.”

Balancing studies, life, and dreams is a universal challenge for students, and Aaron doesn't shy away from sharing his approach. Aaron offers a pragmatic perspective on the demands of a passion-driven academic journey.

He says, “To be honest, for me it has a matter of putting in as much effort as I can and doing my best. At times this has turned into prioritizing my work for my club and settling for a less than perfect grade on an exam since I value hands-on experience more than just grades.”?

In the spirit of mentorship, Aaron imparts valuable advice to fellow students looking to enter the industry. The secret sauce? Get your hands dirty and join clubs. “What you learn in the classroom can only get you so far. Getting hands-on work experience with manufacturing and design through clubs will get you a big headstart above your classmates.” Aaron also encourages fellow students to attend in-person industry expos. “I had a great experience at CAMX this year learning about new technologies and forming connections with people in the industry. It is a great way to get your foot in the door rather than just sending resumes and hoping for the best.”

Aaron also shares his excitement about the future of the industry, focusing on the potential benefits of thermoplastic composites for mass-produced parts. “The incredible reduction in cycle times and manual labor can drastically reduce the cost of composite components and further bring former high end parts down to mass market prices.”

Aaron also reflects on how Modulus, as a close-knit community, has played a crucial role in forming connections for future opportunities. “As a relatively small community of like minded individuals in this relatively niche industry Modulus is a great way to form close connections with people in the industry.”

As we draw the curtain on this Modulus Student Spotlight, Aaron's journey emerges as a testament to the passion, challenges, and dreams that define the student experience. Join us in celebrating the vibrant narrative of Aaron, an aspiring engineer leaving an indelible mark on the world of engineering and beyond. The Modulus Student Spotlight continues to illuminate the unique stories of students, showcasing their excellence as they embark on promising careers in the dynamic field of engineering.

Want to connect with other students, get advice from professionals in the industry, find a future internship or learn about a hot topic in the industry by joining Modulus for free and start connecting today!