THE FUTURE
OF AEROSPACEsystems. The university offers a minor degree
program in aerospace engineering, and Lara found
ways to expand his studies. A friend suggested that
he check out the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE), which provides prospective aerospace, auto-
motive, and commercial-vehicle engineers a chance
to mix with industry experts and to compete in
collegiate design competitions. When Lara spottedTHE JOB: Lara works in the Boeing Research and
Technology (BR&T) structures department at the compa-
ny’s St. Louis facility, where he investigates materials and
composites for building lighter and stronger aircraft. Lara
has also worked on the electric-powered unmanned Cargo
Air Vehicle (CAV), a prototype now undergoing flight tests,
and Boeing’s T-X, which is set to replace the U.S. Air Force
T-38 Talon advanced trainer beginning in 2024.
THEPATH:LaraattendedMiami’sFloridaInternational
University,wheremechanicalandmaterialengineeringstu-
dentscantakeintroductorycoursesinflightmechanics,the
designandanalysisofaerospacestructures,andpropulsion
Chris Gabriel Lara takes in the James S. McDonnell
Prologue Room, an exhibit space at Boeing’s St. Louis
campus.I Love My Job, and Here’s How I Got It
The Value of
Networks
CHRIS GABRIEL LARA, STRUCTURAL ANALYST,
THE BOEING COMPANY
LET US HEAR
FROM YOU!
Have you just soloed? Started a new job? Finished
an internship? Invented an aeronautical gadget?
Tell us about your experience, and send us a
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