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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?

I have always associated Purdue with space, and I attended Purdue Space Day every year I was eligible as a kid. Going into the transition to major process I still wasn’t sure which Engineering discipline I wanted so I chose the AAE program for its prestige and the exciting opportunities the field would provide. Since then, I have met my best friends in classes and clubs and could not be happier with my decision. 

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?

Purdue Space Program(PSP)! I have served on the executive board for four semesters and on both the High Altitude and NASA Student Launch technical teams. Through PSP, which is the Purdue chapter of the national SEDS organization, I have made so many connections with other students in the major from both my year and other years. Further, PSP works directly with companies and hosts recruiting events specifically for our members which is an amazing opportunity. Overall though my favorite part is launching rockets with my teammates finally after months of hard work!

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?

Purdue Big Brothers & Big Sisters or Purdue Intramural Sports. Purdue BBBS directly supports the Lafayette chapter of BBBS and hosts events for children in the program waiting to be paired with their permanent Bigs. I think it is extremely important to take part in an organization that gives back to the community and Purdue BBBS has been super enjoyable and rewarding. The people are super nice too! Purdue Intramural Sports is also a ton of fun and has allowed me to meet so many people outside of just Purdue AAE.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?

I have spent my first three years representing the Honors Engineering program here at Purdue. Further, as part of the Purdue Space Program, I represented AAE in an unofficial capacity. Becoming an AAE ambassador allows me to represent the program that I love, with new opportunities and a reach that I previously could not.

Favorite place on campus?

France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center (COREC) which has amazing weightlifting facilities and 10 different gyms where pickup games are constantly going on 24/7.

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?

My favorite class I have taken so far is AAE 334: Aerodynamics with Prof. Canino. This class takes the more abstract concepts from AAE 339 and AAE 333 and combines them into real applications on aircraft and wings. As I went through the class through the semester, I found everything suddenly coming together and making sense, and that is an amazing feeling!

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?

Know that you are in a renowned, top ranked program that will provide you opportunities. Take advantage of these! You may find yourself being busier than students in other majors but that is a strength.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?

Someone I look up to in the industry is Astronaut Scott Kelly. After reading his memoir "Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery", I learned a great deal about how to approach life and was reinspired in the pursuit of my career. Kelly's description of his record-setting year in Space and how it affected all aspects of his life will stick with me and I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 

What motivates you to succeed?

I am motivated to succeed by my friends and the exciting work the Aero/Astro industry allows you to work on. This past summer I worked on the main engines powering the NASA rockets taking astronauts back to the moon, and I don't think there is much else cooler than that!

What is your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to work at a NASA research lab, like NASA JPL, where I can work on future space missions to other planets and exploring the solar system.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?

Every school year I play in at least ten different intramural spots, and when not playing officially I play basketball/volleyball/pickleball with my friends. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, it is lots of fun and I have made so many new friends I otherwise would never have met!