DSA Kalman's Inaugural Study Tour to Los Angeles

In November 2024, DSA Kalman marked a historic milestone with its first-ever Study Tour, taking 23 ambitious MSc Systems and Control students on an enriching 9-day journey to Los Angeles, California. This groundbreaking initiative combined professional development with cultural exploration, offering students a unique perspective on the global landscape of Systems and Control Engineering.

KALMAN IN NUMBERS

2Main Partners

Partners support us to achieve our goals!

20+Students

Highly motivated students selected for the tour!

10+Activities

Academic and Exploration Activites during the tour!

Academic and Industry Insights

Our students engaged with leading institutions in Southern California, gaining invaluable insights into cutting-edge developments in our field. The tour featured visits to:

 

  • Innovative Companies: Including BrainCorp, a pioneer in autonomous robotics software, and Virgin Galactic, at the forefront of commercial spaceflight technology
  • Prestigious Universities: Comprehensive tours of UC San Diego, USC Viterbi, and UC Santa Barbara, where students explored advanced research facilities and connected with leading academics

Cultural Exploration

Beyond the professional visits, students immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of Los Angeles through carefully planned excursions to iconic locations including:

  • The historic Rose Bowl Flea Market
  • The legendary Walk of Fame
  • The astronomical wonders at Griffith Observatory
  • The cultural treasures of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
  • The artistic collections at The Getty
  • The vibrant streets of Little Tokyo
  • The iconic Santa Monica Pier
A special networking event with TU Delft alumni, organized in collaboration with TU Delft for Life networks, provided students with valuable insights into career opportunities in California.

A Successful First Edition - Behind the Scenes

This ambitious initiative was meticulously planned by the DSA Kalman Study Tour Committee, who coordinated everything from accommodations and transportation to a comprehensive itinerary of activities and visits. True to the American spirit, we made our first Study Tour a grand success, setting a high standard for future educational adventures. Meet the committee!

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Smooth Organization & Great Balance

The tour was very well-organized, and I really appreciated the effort put in by the committee. The travel logistics were handled well, and I liked that we had structured visits while still having some flexibility. The only improvement I could suggest is slightly better communication about daily plans, but overall, everything went smoothly. The balance between professional and leisure activities was perfect, making the trip both insightful and fun. Thank you for an amazing experience!

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman
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Perfectly Organized & Professionally Inspiring

This trip was an amazing blend of professional and cultural experiences. The universities and companies we visited were top-tier, and it was fascinating to see the differences between academia and industry. The committee did a fantastic job organizing everything, from transportation to scheduling, ensuring that we made the most of our time. Even on our free days, there were well-planned activities, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. The Griffith Observatory sunset and the Virgin Galactic visit were absolute highlights!

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman
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Incredible People & Memorable Experiences

One of the best parts of this trip was the group itself. Everyone was friendly and open, making the experience even more enjoyable. The presentations and company visits were super interesting, and even though I didn’t love every university tour, the industry visits made up for it. The hot tub chill sessions, exploring downtown San Diego, and the group dinners were some of my favorite moments. It was amazing to see how well everything was arranged. Huge thanks to the organizers for making this happen!

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman
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Conversations with Experts & Industry Insights

Meeting renowned experts and having meaningful conversations with them was an absolute highlight of this trip. The lectures and discussions gave me a fresh perspective on control systems and industry applications. The visit to UCSD, Brain Corp, and Virgin Galactic was eye-opening—it was fascinating to see how real-world engineering goes beyond theoretical concepts. The mix of academic and industry visits was very well balanced, making the trip both educational and enjoyable.

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman
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Amazing Locations & Cultural Exploration

Beyond the professional aspects, this trip was also an incredible cultural experience. From visiting iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory to exploring the Getty Villa, every day had something new to offer. Walking through Huntington Library, experiencing the energy of Little Tokyo, and even just hanging out in different cities made this trip so special. I only wish we had more time to explore some places more deeply!

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman
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A Life-Changing Experience

The study tour was an unforgettable experience. I had never traveled intercontinentally before, and this trip changed my perspective completely. The university visits were much more inspiring than I expected, and the company visits provided incredible insight into the industry. The balance of structure and freedom made it feel like an adventure rather than just a guided tour. Every moment was exciting, from exploring Little Tokyo to witnessing cutting-edge technology at Virgin Galactic. I think about ways to go back every day!

MSc System and Control DSA Kalman