Facilitating Growth
Andre Knoesen and Anuj Bhardwaj
Anuj Bhardwaj is an electrical engineering undergraduate student from Fremont, Calif., who studied under engineering professor Andre Knoesen.
“He gives enough support for me to gain confidence in the inventive process, but provides space so that I can develop into an informed, innovative engineer,” said Bhardwaj.
Why is UC Davis the one for you? “UC Davis is the one for me because it has the best balance of characteristics I sought in a university. UC Davis has a highly reputed electrical engineering program with highly educated professors that excel in their field. Also, the university has strong connections with industry. But the reasons are not all academic, Davis is a wonderful place to live. I enjoy the diversity of the school. I like having the sense of community between the school and the town; everybody looks out for each other.”
What is the best experience you have had here that you could share with us – something that happened to you uniquely because of your ties to UC Davis? “The best experience I have had due uniquely to my ties to UC Davis has been attending the Maker's Faire in San Mateo to present our EE-Emerge project.”
What do you hope to be your legacy here at UC Davis — what marks have you made or changes that you hope will continue? “I hope to leave behind a legacy with the EE-Emerge projects, a program that is focused on the designing and building of interactive electronic exhibits for display on Picnic Day. Although the focus is on that event, the projects have been presented elsewhere on campus at the Undergraduate Research Conference, the Engineering Design showcase, and even the notorious Makers Faire in San Mateo. I hope this positive outreach in technology will draw in more publicity for our department and UC Davis as a whole.”
Tell us about one person at UC Davis who has enhanced your life or your work? “Andre Knoesen is a fantastic mentor in guiding and facilitating the educational and personal growth of his subordinates. He gives enough support for me to gain confidence in the inventive process, but provides space so that I can develop into an informed, innovative engineer. I have observed his remarkable ability to enlighten students on topics related to engineering.”
