In 2024, Anh-Thu Nguyen (BS Math ‘13, MSAAE ‘15) became the 10th woman to fly solo around the world, a voyage that included 25 stops.

Growing up in Vietnam, Nguyen was fascinated by the airplanes that soared above her remote village. “I longed to have that experience of flying and controlling a plane, of feeling small and vulnerable yet at the same time so powerful,” says the pilot and flight instructor.

Nguyen arrived in the United States at age 12, a move that ultimately brought her to Purdue to pursue studies in mathematics and aerospace engineering. “I learned the power of intellectual curiosity in college,” she says. “I’m also thankful for the recreational classes I took, including wine tasting and salsa dancing. Purdue helped me become a well-rounded individual.”

Hoping to encourage and engage aspiring women pilots and engineers, Nguyen founded the nonprofit Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation in 2018. Through its outreach efforts, the organization provides discounted flight training and mentorship while shining a light on Asian women who are thriving in related careers.

In 2020, Nguyen opened Dragon Flight Training Academy at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Here, students learn how to fly in addition to developing skills in risk assessment and safety-oriented decision-making. “I love being a flight instructor because I’m able to share my knowledge while at the same time learning more about aviation myself,” she says.