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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I chose Purdue AAE because of its incredible opportunities, strong aerospace legacy, and, most importantly, its people. When I first visited campus, I was inspired by how passionate students, faculty, and alumni were about Purdue and the community they had built. As someone who has always dreamed of a career in aerospace, the opportunity to study at the Cradle of Astronauts made Purdue even more special. I knew AAE would provide me with the community, experiences, and education to help me grow and pursue my goals in aerospace.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
Purdue Space Day, where we bring more than 500 students to campus for a day filled with hands-on space and engineering activities, culminating in an astronaut guest speaker.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Purdue Engineering Student Council, and Intermural Sports

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I want to become an Aerospace Engineering Ambassador because I want to share my passion for Purdue AAE with prospective students and help them discover the opportunities and community that make the program so special. When I was deciding where to attend college, hearing directly from Purdue students about their experiences helped me see myself as part of the AAE community and ultimately realize that Purdue was the right place for me. I would love the opportunity to have that same impact on future Boilermakers.

Favorite place on campus?
The Engineering Fountain!

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class I have taken thus far is HIST 387: History of the Space Age. I have always been fascinated by space exploration, so I really enjoyed learning about the history behind many of the missions, technologies, and decisions that shaped the space industry into what it is today.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
My biggest piece of advice to a potential AAE student is to build and rely on your community. AAE can be challenging, but Purdue is home to an incredible network of students, faculty, advisors, and alumni who genuinely want to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek help, and learn from the people around you. Some of my most valuable experiences at Purdue have come from the relationships I have built with friends, classmates, professors, and mentors. Your community will be one of your greatest resources throughout your time in AAE, so take the time to build meaningful connections and support others along the way.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Someone I look up to in the aerospace industry is Sirisha Bandla. As a Purdue AAE alumna who went on to fly to space with Virgin Galactic, her career shows that there are many different paths to making an impact in human spaceflight. I especially admire how she has combined her technical aerospace background with space policy, research, and communication. Her ability to contribute to the future of commercial human spaceflight while also advocating for the industry inspires me because I hope to similarly combine engineering, human spaceflight, and space communication throughout my career.

What motivates you to succeed?
I have wanted to be an aerospace engineer since I was nine years old. Whenever I feel discouraged or lose motivation, I think about the younger version of myself who dreamed of being exactly where I am today. I think about how excited she would be to see how far I have come, the incredible experiences I have been a part of, and how much closer I am to achieving the dreams she had. Remembering her excitement and curiosity motivates me to keep pushing myself and pursuing the goals I have carried with me for so long.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to work in the human spaceflight sector, contributing to research that expands our understanding of human capabilities in space and helps enable longer, safer, and more ambitious missions. I also hope to incorporate outreach and space communication into my career, helping make space exploration and research more accessible to the public and inspiring others to become engaged in and excited about the future of human spaceflight.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
When I'm not studying or working in the lab or classroom, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I like participating in intramural sports, hiking, and biking, as well as traveling and exploring new places.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
Both the first and most recent humans to walk on the Moon are Purdue alumni. Neil Armstrong was the first, and Eugene Cernan was the most recent person to leave footprints on the Moon.