Miranda Le

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
St. Olaf College

Please provide your lab and description of research.
Starting in September 2024, I joined Professor Aravind Nagulu's lab at WashU, where I contributed to the design of an RF PCB interface for a high-speed CMOS cross-correlator, targeting radar system applications. This spring, I am completing a Hardware Electrical Engineer co-op at Schneider Electric.

Did you participate in summer research prior to your graduate degree? If so, when and where did you complete your research?
Yes, I participated in multiple research and engineering internships prior to my graduate studies. During my undergrad years at WashU, I had the opportunity to intern at Schneider Electric for 8 months and I will be interning at Tesla for the same role! During my undergraduate years at St. Olaf College, I also conducted research in the Chemistry Department between Summer 2022 and Summer 2023. Under the mentorship of Professors Beussman and Gittins, I explored topics ranging from mass spectrometry and polymer chemistry to sustainable material development and computational modeling.

What played into your decision to get a graduate engineering degree?
Coming from an interdisciplinary background in both chemistry and engineering, I realized that I was most passionate about designing and building hardware systems that solve meaningful problems. My early hands-on experiences in research, internships, and academic projects showed me how essential a deeper understanding of electronics, signal processing, and embedded systems would be to achieve that goal. I also think Electrical Engineering is super cool, opening up a lot of career choices!

Why did you pick WashU?
I chose WashU because of the university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and its highly ranked Electrical Engineering program. The BS/MS dual degree program allowed me to accelerate my learning while building a strong technical foundation. Courses like Integrated Circuits, Semiconductor Devices, Machine Learning, Electronics Lab, and Digital System were directly aligned with my interests. Additionally, WashU's research community, particularly in analog/RF circuits and system design, and faculty support made it a compelling environment for both academic and professional growth.

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
I'm a fan of Cube Tea - definitely check it out if you're also a boba lover!

What advice would you give to a new student?
Some of the biggest opportunities I've had, including my current roles, came from just having a conversation or asking someone about their work. Building those connections early on made a huge difference. You never know who might point you toward a research lab, an internship, or a project that aligns with your goals. 

What campus activities or groups would you recommend to a new student?
If you're interested in engineering, I highly recommend joining clubs like WashU Robotics and the WashU Racing (Formula SAE) team. These groups offer hands-on projects that apply what you learn in class to real-world challenges, from PCB design and embedded systems to mechanical integration and team collaboration. They're not only technically engaging but also offer opportunities to connect with upperclassmen, alumni, and industry sponsors.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to pursue a career in hardware engineering, with a focus on reliability, sensor design, system integration, and mixed-signal design after finishing my MS degree.