KU News Release

Graduation stories: Mechanical engineer heads back to NASA after commencement

Erika Meza-Zerlin

LAWRENCE — Erika Meza-Zerlin was no stranger to the University of Kansas School of Engineering when she entered college life. Her father is a graduate of the school, and Meza-Zerlin attended Engineering Expo and other events when she was a girl.

Now, as she prepares to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Meza-Zerlin leaves the Hill having been a Woman of Distinction, recipient of multiple scholarships and an intern at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She will return to the prestigious space center to work full time in safety and mission assurance.

One of her favorite things about being a part of the School of Engineering has been the team atmosphere of the class work. She recently worked with a team on a biomechanics project to help in rehabilitation of stroke patients. They created a pulley system that helps make therapy easier for both the patient and the physical therapist.

“It makes me feel good to look at it and say, ‘Something I helped with helped people,’ ” said Meza-Zerlin.

Terry Faddis, professor of mechanical engineering, said Meza-Zerlin stood out in design classes.

“She has done an excellent job in all of her classes,” Faddis said. “However, she has done an particularly good job in design classes. I am sure she will be successful in her career as an engineer.”

As with many KU students, tradition also has been a big part of Meza-Zerlin’s life at the university. She has particularly enjoyed KU basketball games, something that has helped alleviate the stressors of her demanding major and break through the “all-work-and-no-play” stereotypes.

“I do think I help break stereotypes — I don’t consider myself nerdy,” she said with a laugh.

One final tradition Meza-Zerlin plans to participate in is the walk down the Hill at commencement, something her father missed as a student because he returned to his native Venezuela immediately after finals. But her parents, Eliezer and Debra Meza-Zerlin of Topeka, will be there cheering her on.

“We talked about him walking with me,” she said. “But I think he really just wants to be there for me.”

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.