SC Connecticut News

Amy Cohen, a mechanical engineering student at Yale, has a penchant for creating beautiful things. Whether it's an architectural frame, a laser-cut puzzle, a strawberry cake, or an oil painting, her online portfolio is filled with diverse creations including a music box, a ceramic bowl, and even a menorah made of hex nuts.

"My grandfather bought me an Erector Set when I was little — sort of foreshadowing that I’ve always loved making things,” said Cohen.

Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Cohen chose mechanical engineering as her major because it blended her love for math and design. While pursuing her degree on a professionally accredited track with an almost perfect GPA, she interned at the acclaimed woman-owned Hatfield Group as a structural engineer. There she designed steel-and-wood architectural frames and researched environmental and building codes.

Cohen's passion for the field did not go unnoticed by the mechanical engineering department at Yale which selected her as an undergraduate representative for committee and recruitment work.

“It’s a small major — we’ve all had many classes together, so I’d say it feels like family,” Cohen said. “And I'm lucky to have several professors who have really taken an interest in helping me far beyond what was required in their class.”

Despite her rigorous academic schedule, Cohen made time for creative pursuits. During the early months of the pandemic while studying from home, she created quilled paper sculptures. Back on campus, she used AutoCAD architecture software to create a model of New York’s Lincoln Center and designed magazine covers. She also participated in bake-offs with roommates.

Cohen chose art classes as electives where she went on field trips to draw and paint at places like the Yale Farm. Her artistic works are available for viewing on her online portfolio.

Music also holds significant importance for Cohen who is a classically trained singer. At Yale, she seized opportunities to connect across different fields of study and grow both acadically and artistically. She is part of a group advocating for the inclusion of a music room in new engineering buildings on Science Hill, to which she also contributed a hand-lettered logo.

“There are so many amazing musicians here who I've had the chance to interact with,” Cohen said. “I’ve really benefited from having the music school and the art school here.”

After graduation, Cohen plans to transition from engineering to architecture. She will begin her career as a designer with Apicella + Bunton Architects in New Haven. However, she doesn't plan on all work and no play.

“I try to leave a lot of free time so that I can fill it with other things that are important to me, like my own projects, or spending time with people,” Cohen said. “The people here, their diversity of interests, I’ve just loved.”