Zach Selzman

Yo! My name is Zach Selzman and I am a senior at Cal Poly studying Aerospace engineering. This website was created primarily to give myself an avenue to vent about my excursions in the mountains (check out the blog). Other than that, I have some projects I found interesting enough to keep me inside over here (still filling this out). Also, if you wish to check out my prospects of employment, check out my resume! I’m just getting started with this, so more content will follow as I desperately attempt get the hang of github pages (I lack both a motivation and aptitude for web development).

Assuming we’re strangers, I’m an engineering student and a mountain enthusiast—seldom complementary things…well, as long as GPA is concerned. Nonetheless, I am extremely passionate about Aerodynamics, Aeroelasticity, Envrionmental Fluid Mechanics, and Flight Test. Basically, I like the intersection of planning, design and computation with hands-on work, specifically field test engineering and validation. I was extremely fortunate to have spent last summer as an intern at the Wind Technology Center at the National Renewable Energy Lab (err…the “National Lab of the Rockies”). There, I was able to observe and integrate myself into the Field Test and Validation group, which was responsible for effectively confirming predictions from the Numerical Modeling groups and conducting measurements for private companies looking to certify their products. I learned a great deal about working with a team in addition to the inner-workings of Excel Macro codes. It was cool to see a role nestled perfectly at the intersection between theory and practice—making me incredibly interested in the Field Test industry as well. My internship culminated with a full-scale poster presentation and a research paper.

My decision to join NREL originated with my passion for renewable energy and wind turbine aerodynamics. I’ve spent over two years with Cal Poly Wind Power, working as a member of the Aerodynamics team. I’ve learned a great deal about the aerodynamics of rotating bodies, and have participated in nearly every stage of the development of the turbine blades, from modeling to testing. The annual aim is to win the Collegiate Wind Power Competition, which essentially characterizes my job as an optimizer and validater.

Outside of academics and engineering, I enjoy various self-actualizing hobbies, including skiing, running, climbing, occasional paragliding, and the extreme consumption of orange juice.