5 questions with Case School of Engineering’s Auston Govender
Each spring at Case Western Reserve University brings a moment of reflection for graduating students—an opportunity to consider how their time on campus has shaped who they are and where they’re headed next. For Auston Govender, a mechanical engineering student from Johannesburg, South Africa, that journey has been defined by hands-on learning, meaningful collaboration and a strong sense of community within the Case School of Engineering. From discovering opportunities to build and innovate in spaces like Sears think[box] to taking on leadership roles in student design teams, Govender’s experience reflects the balance of technical rigor and real-world application that defines a CWRU education.
In the Q&A below, Govender reflects on his path to CWRU, the experiences that defined his time on campus and the insights he’ll take with him into his career in mechanical design engineering.
Answers have been lightly edited.
What initially drew you to CWRU?
I was drawn to the Case School of Engineering because of the opportunities to work on hands-on engineering projects and be part of design teams. When I learned about Sears think[box], I was immediately eager about the idea of having access to such an incredible space to build and create. I was also very interested in the CWRU Baja team before arriving on campus. Additionally, as an international student without family in the U.S., I wanted a smaller school environment where I could recognize familiar faces and build a strong sense of community.
What course or campus experience shaped your education most?
My experience with CWRU Motorsports has had the greatest impact on my education. From my first day, when I was handed a wrench and asked to help remove an engine, to becoming a design lead and presenting at multiple competitions, this journey has shaped me both technically and personally.
Through the team, I developed strong engineering fundamentals while also gaining hands-on experience in design, manufacturing and testing. I learned from incredibly talented teammates, starting with little knowledge of vehicle dynamics and eventually taking on leadership roles such as race logistics lead. Helping maintain multiple vehicles and mentoring newer members was especially rewarding.
Beyond the technical growth, the friendships I built through CWRU Baja are invaluable, and I know they will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?
At the start of my second year, my friends and I spent Labor Day at Edgewater Beach. We played volleyball all day while watching the Cleveland National Air Show overhead. It was an unforgettable moment, spending time with close friends on the beach while watching incredibly engineered aircraft fly above us.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I will be starting a full-time role as a mechanical design engineer at Picogrid—a startup based in California. I had the opportunity to intern there this past summer and really enjoyed the fast-paced, hands-on environment. I’m excited to continue growing as an engineer, and spend some time playing beach volleyball and swimming in the ocean.
What advice would you give to new students in your program?
As a mechanical engineering student, it is essential to get involved in a design team or research early on. These experiences provide practical skills and lessons that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. Just as importantly, they introduce you to a community of driven, like-minded people.
Maintain a strong work ethic and always uphold your personal standards. If you pursue work you are genuinely passionate about, it becomes much more fulfilling. And when challenges arise, as they inevitably will, that strong work ethic is what will carry you through.
