Augusto Yuri Villa

Life in BAE 

“My experience in BAE was truly fantastic across all aspects, with special highlights on technological innovation and teamwork. I was involved with the Alpha Epsilon association and ran some projects by initiative. However, due to the complexity of my research I was focused on it and  I actively sought entrepreneurial opportunities inside NCSU and outside, a venture that was both challenging and rewarding. This entrepreneurial spirit was fueled by the exploratory nature of my research, which demanded innovative thinking and diving deep into complex problems. 

Deciding what to do after completing my degree was a deeply introspective and transformative journey, significantly influenced by my master’s program and pivotal mentorship from Dr. Sanjay Shah, which offered support, cutting-edge tools, and challenging opportunities that propelled my immersion into deep conceptualization and research. This period of exploration, characterized by excitement and uncertainty, led me to leverage my skills in R, Python, Ansys, and SolidWorks, and to engage deeply in coursework on statistical analysis, precision agriculture, and AI applications for UAVs. My decision to pursue a career blending research, AI, and digital innovation, though complex, was clarified through hands-on experiences, mentor guidance, and coursework aligned with my aspirations.”

Career Path

“My career journey started in the construction and agricultural machinery sector in Peru, transitioning through roles of increasing importance from a Market Analyst at Ipesa Sac (John Deere Dealer in Peru) to various strategic positions at european corporate company  Atlas Copco and Epiroc, culminating as a Key Account Manager. Over two decades, this path laid a solid foundation in sales, leadership, management, and the technical nuances of heavy machinery across agriculture, construction, and mining. A pivotal shift occurred when I decided to advance my education with a Master of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NCSU, diving into the latest technologies and methodologies. This academic endeavor steered my career towards digital innovation, leading to my current role at Crumpler Pipe INC., where I spearhead digital transformation initiatives, blending my rich industry background with advanced technical expertise in product design, digital platform management, and AI-driven sales and marketing strategies working with big-data, for large scale markets and products.

As you navigate your journey in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, remember the journey is split into ‘before’ and ‘after’ phases, enriched by classroom learning and peer interactions. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, seeking guidance and feedback from mentors. This blend of academic knowledge and practical experience lays a strong foundation for your future career. Cherish the journey, and remain open to the myriad opportunities that come your way, as they will shape your professional path.”