Graduate Research Assistant, Ogbenna Favour from Nigeria, Shares the Story of How He Joined the Ph.D. Program in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF)

I am Ogbenna Favour from Nigeria, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF). I hold a Bachelor of Technology in Marine Technology and a Master of Technology in Ocean Engineering. I began my Ph.D. journey in Ocean Engineering at Florida Atlantic University before transferring to UCF.

To gain admission into the Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering at UCF, applicants need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, a strong statement of purpose, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and more.

I chose to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering because of my deep interest in Computational Fluid Dynamics. My background in Ocean Engineering gave me a solid foundation in incompressible flow and ocean-related phenomena. Transitioning into Aerospace Engineering was the ideal path for expanding into compressible flow and advanced CFD research.

Graduate Research Assistantship Details

My funding comes through the Multiphysics Simulation Lab in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UCF, where I conduct research in Reduced Order Modelling of Turbulent Flow. As a Graduate Research Assistant, I work 20 hours per week and receive a biweekly stipend. The annual amount is approximately $30,000 USD.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Marine Technology at the Federal University of Technology Owerri with a CGPA of 4.0/5. I also obtained a Master of Technology in Ocean Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras with a CGPA of 8.4/10. My academic foundation in fluid mechanics, CFD, and programming strongly supported my transition into advanced research fields.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Central Florida (UCF)?

How Did You Find Information About the Graduate Assistantship and the University of Central Florida (UCF)?

Google, LinkedIn, and CFDonline.com

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Graduate Assistantship?

I focused on improving my programming skills (particularly C++) and strengthening my writing abilities.

How Do You Rate the University of Central Florida (UCF) Academically and Why?

UCF is excellent, especially for STEM-related fields.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My CGPA, the universities I previously attended, and my technical skill set.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would apply for more fellowship opportunities in addition to Graduate Research Assistant positions.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Keep reaching out to potential professors, stay active on LinkedIn, and learn to write strong statements of purpose yourself.