December 10, 2025
By Alba Garcia-Sarabia

Meet Tristan Wilson, a mechanical engineering student whose curiosity, drive, and hands-on creativity have shaped his Georgia Tech experience. From building combat robots with RoboJackets to conducting fluid dynamics research in the FPCS Lab, Tristan is deeply involved across campus. In this Q&A, he shares how he found his path in STEM, what inspires his work, and where he hopes his engineering journey will lead.

Why did you choose to study at Georgia Tech?

I’ve always been a super ambitious person and knew I wanted to go into a STEM career because of my love for math and the sciences. Whenever I came across something I didn’t understand, I would do everything I could to figure out not just how it worked, but why. That curiosity turned into a passion for solving tough, technical problems and finding creative solutions. Georgia Tech stood out to me because it embodies that same mindset: it’s a place that rewards curiosity, grit, and innovation. I wanted to be surrounded by people who challenged themselves every day, and Tech has given me exactly that environment.
 

How did you become interested in mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering clicked for me because it felt like the most tangible way to turn my ideas into reality. I loved understanding the physics behind motion, energy, and materials. I wanted to learn how to design and build systems that actually do something, whether that’s a robot, an engine, or a thermal system. It’s a field that lets me combine creativity with logic, and I’m constantly amazed at how versatile it is.
 

In your opinion, what is the best thing about your major?

The best thing about mechanical engineering is its versatility. You can go into aerospace, robotics, energy, manufacturing; you name it. Every new project teaches you something different, but the core engineering principles always apply. I love that my major gives me the tools to take on challenges across so many industries while still staying rooted in a solid technical foundation.
 

What clubs or after-school activities are you involved in?

I’m a weapons engineer for my BattleBot project in RoboJackets, where my team and I design and build combat robots for competition. I’m also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, where I help with student and corporate relations. Beyond that, I’m involved with the Student Alumni Association and work as a student-athletic tutor at the football stadium, where I teach student-athletes in subjects like math, physics, chemistry, and economics. I also conduct research with Assistant Professor Suhas Jain in the Flow Physics and Computational Science (FPCS) Lab.
 

Can you tell us more about your involvement with the FPCS Lab?

In the FPCS Lab, we study bubble coalescence in turbulent, multiphase flows. My team and I have been working with our CFD solver (ExaFlow) and some supercomputers off-campus to develop real-time predictive models for these fluid systems. It’s been an incredible opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in class to cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics and aerospace propulsion.
 

Are there any classes you have taken at Georgia Tech that have been memorable?

ME 2110: Creative Decisions and Design and ME 3340: Fluid Mechanics have definitely been memorable. ME 2110 taught me the power of iteration and teamwork; seeing our design evolve from concept to prototype was such a rewarding process. Fluid Mechanics, on the other hand, deepened my appreciation for how complex and elegant fluid systems can be. It connected directly to my research and reminded me why I love the thermal-fluids side of mechanical engineering.
 

What made you want to pursue a concentration in Automation and Robotic Systems?

I’ve always been fascinated by machines that can think and act on their own. Automation and robotics combine mechanical design, programming, and systems thinking, all areas that excite me. It’s such a forward-looking field that bridges innovation in both hardware and intelligence, and I knew I wanted to be part of that intersection.
 

What hobbies do you have?

I love to read (I’ve got a full bookshelf in my apartment), work out at the Campus Recreation Center about four to five times a week, and spend time with my friends. I also play the piano. I’ve been playing for over a decade now, and it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and stay creative.
 

What’s one fun fact about yourself?

I have a few, actually: I’ve never broken a bone, I’m left-handed, and I once built an automatic door unlocker with a voice command and a key fob. It started as a fun summer project to prevent lockouts, but it actually worked!
 

So far, what has been the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Getting a 108% on a thermodynamics exam after struggling with that class for almost a year. It was such a validating moment because it showed how much persistence and hard work can pay off, especially in a subject that really challenged me.
 

What do you plan to do in the future?

After I graduate, I plan to pursue a B.S./M.S. or a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or robotics. Long term, I want to work on advanced aerospace systems that merge automation, fluid mechanics, and propulsion. I hope to help design technologies that push the boundaries of flight and performance.
 

What advice do you have for high school students thinking about coming to Georgia Tech?

If you’re passionate about engineering and want to be challenged, Georgia Tech is the place for you. Don’t be afraid to get involved early; join a club, talk to professors, and go to career fairs. Take on challenges even if they feel intimidating, because the growth you’ll experience here is unmatched.