Meet Kevin Hong, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University (SJSU) with a passion for cars and engineering. Growing up in Oakland, CA, Kevin’s journey began with building Lego cars and trucks, watching “Top Gear,” and diving deep into the technical explanations offered by YouTuber Engineering Explained. His fascination with how and why things work laid the foundation for a career in mechanical engineering.
Kevin’s high school Creative Technology class introduced him to design and manufacturing, igniting his interest further. But it was joining SJSU’s Formula SAE team that truly put him on the fast track. Initially starting with little knowledge, Kevin learned by doing—designing sprockets and axles for the team’s race car. His hands-on work in the shop, supported by dedicated mentors at Spartan Racing, helped him develop confidence and expertise. This practical experience, Kevin says, has been an incredibly rewarding part of his education.
Last summer, K...