Ethan Yen has always had a deep fascination for architecture. Accompanying
his father, a contractor, to his construction sites exposed Yen, who has
"always liked buildings," to a vast variety of them from a young age.
Wanting more exposure to the world of architecture early on, Yen worked
part-time in construction during high school, gaining invaluable hands-on
experience while witnessing firsthand the challenges of traditional
building processes.
"I was disheartened upon realizing the time-consuming and
resource-intensive nature of the construction process," Yen expressed. This
realization, alongside his observations of widespread inequity near his
hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area, fueled his ultimate aspiration.
"Ever since I was a child, my dream was to develop buildings,” Yen said.
“I’ve always wanted to make something not just for myself, but for others,
to empower them to lead productive and fulfilling lives.”
As Yen began exploring his options for studying architectural engineering,
Drexel quickly stood out to him for its accelerated 5-year BS/MS program
and its integrated 3-co-op program. He further noted that Drexel being one
of the few - and one of the top – schools offering architectural
engineering helped solidify his decision.
"While the curriculum made me realize that I wanted to come to Drexel, I
was also compelled by the city's rich history," Yen recalled. "Having grown
up in California, I always learned about American history through
Philadelphia, so seeing such a historic area with my own eyes seemed like
an amazing opportunity."
All these factors pushed Yen to take the leap and travel from California to
Pennsylvania for his college journey. While entering a new environment
presented its challenges, he ultimately found his experience at Drexel and
in Philadelphia transformative. Not only did he create lasting connections,
but he also grew as an engineer thanks to his coursework and co-op
opportunities.
Yen explained that "through classes, [he] was able to hone [his] technical
skills and gain a deeper understanding of the built environment," while
each of his co-ops introduced him to different aspects of building, from
crafting indoor environments to assessing enclosure performance to delving
into structural design and analysis.
Despite gaining extensive insights into the industry through these
experiences, Yen felt a pull towards innovation and creation. Seeing how
the companies he worked with integrated innovative materials, cutting-edge
software, and modern technologies into the building process, he became
increasingly aware of the valuable role of research in his field. This
realization led him to join the Advanced Infrastructure Materials (AIM) Lab under the guidance of Amir Farnam, PhD,
associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering.
At the AIM Lab, Yen contributed to a groundbreaking, DARPA-funded project
focused on a self-healing concrete system inspired by human vascular
networks, which holds the promise of creating permanent, affordable, and
more sustainable building materials. His exposure to such profound research
and the support of his colleagues ultimately inspired Yen to pursue a
doctoral degree, a path he had never previously considered.
Following this newfound path, Yen is set to begin his doctoral studies in
civil engineering at the University of Southern California. At USC, Yen
will conduct innovative research on 3D printing techniques for large-scale
applications of reinforced concrete structures. Being chosen to work on
this project was "truly exciting" for Yen, whose enthusiasm for the
potential of 3D printing applications in the construction industry
"perfectly aligns with [his] overarching goal" of helping underserved
communities thrive through his work.
As Yen anticipates his return to California and the next chapter in his
life, he expresses immense gratitude for the enriching experiences he gained
at Drexel over the past five years. "My advisors and professors, especially
Dr. Amir Farnam, Dr. Simi Hoque, and Dr. Ivan Bartoli, as well as the
comprehensive curriculum provided by the College of Engineering, have
helped me grow far beyond my expectations, both academically and
personally," Yen remarked. He cherishes the meaningful mentorship,
friendships, and professional connections Drexel has provided him with.
"I eagerly anticipate what the future holds and am optimistic that my
research endeavors will bring meaningful contributions to the architecture,
engineering, and construction industries," Yen further stated. "Through
these endeavors, I hope to pave the way for a more equitable future."