Kevin Bock
April 6, 2015
Kevin Bock
Colleges: Engineering and Honors College
Majors: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Economics and German
Why did you choose Purdue?
I originally applied to over 10 different schools, and to be honest I didn’t think too much about Purdue when I was first applying. However, I knew that I wanted a well-rounded university with both a competitive engineering program, as well as strong programs in other areas of study. I also wanted a university with good industry connections to help me as I start my career. Purdue fit the bill and could do so at a price that was affordable for my family.
What is your passion and why do you do what you do?
I enjoy making products that improve people’s lives, and I enjoy building relationships with consumers. This is what led me to the consumer packaged goods industry, which is where I have had two internships and is where I will begin my career after graduation. Chemical engineering in particular plays a vital role in this field, since we’re responsible for learning what consumers want and figuring out how we can satisfy their unmet needs in innovative ways. For example designing a new laundry detergent capsule to remove the hassle of liquid detergent, or making gluten-free breakfast cereals to help consumers with dietary restrictions still have a healthy start to their day. Those “little things” ultimately help people to live more fulfilling lives, and that’s what motivates me.
Why did you choose to graduate with Honors? What was the main benefit for you?
I’ve been in “Honors” since first grade, and I’ve always enjoyed the above-and-beyond mentality it entails. I’m always asking the hard questions, and I want to be in an environment where those questions are welcome. I’ve enjoyed the Honors community here at Purdue and the opportunity to be involved in higher-level educational opportunities, such as research and graduate-level classes.
Explain your thesis/scholarly project.
The lab I’m in works on solar energy and seeks to make efficient nanoparticle-based solar cells from earth-abundant materials that are cheaper and better for the environment than current alternatives. In particular, I am working on understanding and controlling the synthesis of lead sulfide and lead selenide nanoparticles. If we are able to control this reaction and do it well at convenient conditions (atmospheric pressure and room temperature), then we can use the particles to make effective and less-expensive solar cells.
How did you get into this research?
Each professor in the chemical engineering department researches something different. I read through the many areas of research happening in chemical engineering, and I decided this one would be the most fun and would have the biggest impact. I spoke with Professor Agrawal, and he was happy to have me on the team.
What were some of the highlights during your college career?
I don’t have one specific event, but there are a lot of experiences I will be (and already am) nostalgic about. Fountain runs during BGR. Traipsing through the snow after finishing my last final. Visiting the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon and seeing friends from back home. Hanging out at the Moonlight Pancake Breakfast with the Ag people. Game nights in the Hillenbrand lobby. Ultimate Frisbee on the intramural fields. Maybe I’m just sentimental, but I feel like there’s a lot of magic here, if you slow down to take it all in.
What was your favorite Honors course and why?
All the freshmen engineers will think I’m insane, but looking back, I’m glad I took the Honors Intro to Engineering course. It seems to be a constant source of annoyance for the students currently in it, but in retrospect it was really a great opportunity to do some hands-on engineering and to build new relationships. For a new freshman who didn’t know anyone, the friendships formed in the “flames” of Honors Intro to Engineering were especially valuable.
Tell us about a few of your extra-curricular activities that played significant roles during your time at Purdue.
By far my favorite and most meaningful extracurricular activity has been Reformed University Fellowship, a Christian campus ministry at Purdue for which I’m the President. It’s first and foremost a community, and I’ve been able to meet the majority of my closest friends through it. Furthermore, I’ve been able to grow tremendously as a person and a leader. We also have a lot of fun, and I’ll cherish all the sand volleyball games, weekend hiking trips, service events, and dining court meals we’ve had together.
What’s next after graduation?
I’ve accepted a full-time position as an R&D Engineer with General Mills. I’ll move up to Minneapolis, MN at the end of July and start work in August. In the meantime, though, we’ll be visiting some family friends in Spain over the summer. I’m looking forward to having a few months off before “real life” begins.
