Scaling New Heights Across the Pond

Nathanael Jenkins had long harbored a desire to delve into aerospace engineering, but the ideal place to pursue this passion had eluded him. Exploring options in Hampshire, U.K., his hometown, hadn’t sparked his interest in studying in the United States until a 2018 family visit to the MIT campus. Reflecting on his first impression, Jenkins recalls, “MIT felt vibrant, dynamic, and vastly different from my cozy high school back home. The presence of a nuclear reactor in the heart of a bustling city left a lasting impact on me.”

Despite contemplations involving finances, travel logistics, and familial considerations, Jenkins decided to enroll at Imperial College London (ICL) to major in aeronautical engineering. However, his dream of MIT never wavered.

Since 2019, the collaboration between MIT’s International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) program and Imperial College London has facilitated student exchanges across eight MIT departments, with eight Imperial students immersing themselves in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro). Intrigued by this opportunity, Jenkins, alongside his peer Timur Uyumaz, who shared his thirst for an international educational experience, applied for the exchange program and were admitted into Course 16.

Expressing his excitement, Jenkins states, “The idea of studying in the U.S. felt surreal until the moment we landed in Boston.

Academic Engagement: Practical and First-hand

Jenkins worked within the Aerospace Plasma Group, delving into lightning strike simulations to enhance aircraft fuselage safety. Simultaneously, Uyumaz engaged with the Computational Turbulence Group, expanding his expertise in high-fidelity fluid simulations. The research-centric ethos at MIT allowed them to immerse themselves in studies without the specter of high-pressure exams looming over their shoulders.

Comparing his experiences, Jenkins notes, “At Imperial, my focus was mainly on exams in about 90 percent of classes. At MIT, the learning process is continual, dynamic, without the ominous exam pressure.”

An academic highlight for both students was the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of renowned experts in the fields of science, engineering, and aerospace. Uyumaz shares his experience of taking 18.C25 (Real World Computation with Julia) taught by Alan Edelman, a co-founder of Julia. “Being taught by innovators in their respective fields was a remarkable privilege,” Uyumaz remarks.

Jenkins recounts his participation in the 16.891 (Space Policy Seminar) class, led by MIT Media Lab Director Dava Newman and Professor Daniel Hastings, adding, “Learning from individuals who played significant roles in space research is invaluable. They weren’t just teaching; they were active contributors.”

The wealth of expertise under one roof at MIT fosters extensive collaboration opportunities. Jenkins capitalized on the state-of-the-art facilities and conducted experiments in the nuclear reactor that had captured his curiosity in the past.

Exploring New Horizons through Outdoor Ventures

Beyond the lecture halls, Jenkins and Uyumaz actively engaged with the MIT Outing Club (MITOC), embarking on outdoor hikes across New England. Initially anticipating mild British hiking experiences, they were surprised by the more rigorous challenges embraced by the group.

Tackling Guy’s Slide, a demanding climb on Mount Lincoln in New Hampshire, marked their foray into outdoor adventures. Post this intense 4.5-hour ascent to Mt. Lincoln’s summit at 5,089 feet, they developed a fondness for outdoor escapades.

Joining other exchange students, staff, and alumni on a winter climb of Mount Washington, Jenkins and Uyumaz led the expedition, navigating snowy terrains and relishing expansive views. Inclusivity in inviting other exchange students strengthened their ties with peers from ICL, MIT, and global universities.

Stepping Forward

With Uyumaz returning to ICL to complete his studies, Jenkins anticipates joining Course 16 as a graduate student in the fall, remaining with the Aerospace Plasma Group. He expresses his determination to forge a career in engineering, particularly focusing on fluid simulations. Jenkins envisions the strong industry collaborations and connections that MIT offers will be a boon for his professional trajectory in the short and long run.

Expressing gratitude for the warmth extended by MIT across various facets, Jenkins looks ahead to participating in MITOC activities during his graduate studies, aiming to organize stand-up paddle boarding trips and venture into the White Mountains and further west to explore Colorado’s majestic peaks.

Reflecting on his transformative year, Uyumaz values the cross-cultural connections established, emphasizing the long-term impact on fostering partnerships between ICL and MIT, enriching his academic journey immeasurably.