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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
My dad is an engineer and a pilot; growing up I became fascinated by aviation.  More recently, the rapid development of the commercial space industry caught my attention, and I now have hopes of eventually joining that industry myself. 

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
Purdue Space Program (PSP) - Spaceport America team

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Composition and Theory Club

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I enjoy talking to others, and I am passionate about my major. 

Favorite place on campus?
Bechtel Innovation Design Center

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
So far, my favorite class has been AAE 251 - Introduction into Aerospace Design.  Over the course of the semester, I got to work in a small group with three other AAE students to come up with a design and make calculations for a mock lunar lander system that culminated in a final presentation of the lander system and mission details. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Go to TA help sessions whenever possible, whether you are currently struggling with coursework or not. TAs are there to help, and learning new material is much easier to do when there is someone else who can answer any questions you may have.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Kelly Johnson is one of the more overlooked figures in the aerospace industry, but he made some major breakthroughs in the field.  He was the founder and head of Skunkworks, a specialized division within Lockheed. Over the years, Skunkworks projects have resulted in the production of several aircraft designs that have pushed the boundaries of the aerospace industry such as the U-2 spy plane, SR-71 Blackbird, and F-22 Raptor. 

What motivates you to succeed?
I hope to be able to make a positive impact on the aerospace industry in the future.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to make significant contributions to the design, manufacturing, or testing of an advanced spacecraft.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
There are a few different hobbies I enjoy outside of class.  I have been playing the violin and piano since early elementary school, and I still practice both whenever I get the chance.  I also enjoy composing music, leading me to join the student-organized Composition and Theory Club.  In the past, I played baseball and soccer, though I haven't been able to do either in college so far.  That being said, I am a big Cubs fan, and I like to keep track of MLB games throughout the season.