Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Junior
Shaun Bowlin
"Getting involved is what has made my college experience so special."The Herff College of Engineering proudly recognized Shaun Michael Bowlin as its Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Junior of Spring Semester 2026.
Shaun spent his junior year working alongside Dr. Agarwal in the Dynamics, Systems, and Controls lab. His work centers on a Kresling origami-inspired robotic arm made from rigid materials, utilizing a new class of materials called Polycatenated Architected Materials. Shaun hopes to finish his project by manufacturing a unit from metal via addictive manufacturing and plans to complete the first of his designs over the summer.
Shaun credited his fellow students at the Herff College of Engineering with giving him the support he needed to succeed, whether that looked like all-night studying sessions or pick-up soccer games.
"The best memories at Herff so far have been from the friends I’ve made along the way! Whether it was studying in the ERIC building until 2am before a fluid’s exam or sitting in EA 3rd floor between class, those people have become my closest friends and made my time so special. Shout out Gavin, he started a pick-up soccer league that plays every Thursday evening, which has connected me with students across Herff disciplines and even graduate-level students. Getting involved is what has made my college experience so special," Shaun said.
He encouraged younger students to develop good habits early in their academic careers in order to be best prepared for the challenging times ahead.
"One word of advice: do your studying and take it seriously from the start. Even if at first it all may seem easy, build up those habits now, they are the most useful tool later down the line. The habits I made from cookies and calculus from my time in the ELLC have proven critical to my success to this day," Shaun said.