When choosing where to pursue an engineering degree, the quality of education, faculty support, and career opportunities play a crucial role. For accomplished alumna Jocelyn Lo, UC San Diego’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) provided the foundation for a dynamic career in engineering and entrepreneurship.
Lo, who is currently a co-founder of Jyx Engineering, was initially drawn to UC San Diego for its well-regarded engineering program and scenic campus.
“I’d already set my goal towards getting into mechanical engineering, and being accepted into the MAE program as an undergraduate was my first step. It also helped that UC San Diego has such a lovely campus! After my initial campus visit, I decided that UC San Diego was my first choice,” Lo said.
She became an undergraduate student in the Department of MAE in 1997. She thoroughly enjoyed her experience and recognized that San Diego’s booming tech industry made UC San Diego the perfect place to further her studies while interning at local tech firms. A few years into her studies, continuing into the master’s program was an easy decision for Lo.
Enrolling in the 5-year BS/MS program, Lo had the opportunity to take graduate courses during her senior year, which provided early exposure to advanced concepts. The faculty’s support also made a lasting impression—professors and teaching assistants were always available to offer her guidance and supported her transition into the graduate program, reinforcing a strong academic foundation.
Unique Opportunities at UC San Diego
A defining moment in Lo’s education was her senior project class, where she collaborated with an industry sponsor to develop a fluid-mixing device. The device needed to efficiently combine multiple fluids while remaining compact enough to fit inside a beaker and cost-effective to produce. Lo and her team successfully met all these requirements.
“Learning how to interpret and apply engineering requirements in a real-world context was invaluable—an experience that continues to inform my work today. I was glad I had an early introduction to that process through UC San Diego,” Lo said.
Another pivotal influence was Professor Frank Talke’s finite element analysis course, which sparked her interest in the field and became the focus of her graduate studies. With Professor Talke’s mentorship, she secured her first job as a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) specialist at Kyocera Wireless, launching her career in consumer electronics. She graduated in 2002 with a Master of Science from MAE.
“During the early 2000s tech bubble, most technology companies had hiring freezes, making jobs scarce. My background in FEA helped me stand out from other applicants, and for that, I am forever grateful,” Lo recalled.
While the MAE curriculum was rigorous, UC San Diego also encouraged a well-rounded education. One of Lo’s fondest memories was fulfilling Revelle College’s fine arts requirement through dance classes, which provided a much-needed balance to the demands of engineering coursework. This holistic approach to education helped her develop discipline, time management skills, and an appreciation for diverse fields.
Career Growth and Entrepreneurial Success
After gaining experience at major tech companies like Nokia, Kyocera, and Motorola, Lo co-founded her first engineering consulting firm, Latitude 32 Engineering, in 2013. For over eight years, she played key roles in engineering and program management, growing the company to 20 employees before it was acquired in 2021. She has since co-founded Jyx Engineering, continuing her consulting work while leveraging the technical and leadership skills she honed at UC San Diego.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Reflecting on her journey, Lo emphasizes the importance of internships and networking. Career fairs and professional organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) opened doors for her, and she encourages students to take advantage of similar opportunities. Planning ahead for internships and engaging in campus career events can significantly impact future job prospects.
“Students should take advantage of the many internship and job opportunities available in the San Diego area. It’s never too early to start planning and securing internships!” Lo emphasized.
Lo also highlighted the importance of honing time management skills to make the most of a graduate program.
“Being in the five-year BS/MS program while working part-time during the school year required a careful balance between school, work, and life. Managing this can be challenging for students with a rigorous class schedule. Like many of my peers in MAE, I learned to put in the hard work needed to succeed in my classes," Lo said.
Despite her busy career, Lo remains connected to the MAE community, participating in alumni panels, career forums, and webinars with the university’s career center—ongoing contributions that reflect her gratitude for the education and opportunities she received at UC San Diego.
Her story is a testament to the Department of MAE’s strength in shaping skilled, adaptable, and innovative engineers, as it continues to prepare students for impactful careers through academic rigor, faculty support, and industry connections.