Olivia Kukar

With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, I bring both technical expertise and a passion for mentorship to my work. Previously, I supported USC’s introductory engineering course, guiding first-year students through hands-on projects and fundamental skills like CAD and design thinking as well as tutored in USC’s athletic department. Beyond the classroom, I led a student research group focused on developing plasma thrusters for CubeSat applications, mentoring students in experimental design, problem-solving, and teamwork.

I view teaching as more than transferring knowledge. It’s about sparking curiosity and helping students see challenges as opportunities. I aim to meet each student where they are, then guide them toward deeper understanding through encouragement, clear explanations, and a collaborative learning environment. My favorite moments are when a student’s confidence shifts from “I can’t do this” to “I’ve got this.”

When I’m not working with students, I’m often exploring the outdoors on backpacking trips, crafting, or testing new recipes. Whether in the lab, classroom, or backcountry, I’m happiest when I’m solving problems creatively and sharing that joy with others.