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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I choose Aeronautics and Astronautics because I have always loved airplanes and space. When I was younger, the first job I ever wanted was to be a groundworker at airports, then a pilot. Finally, combined with my love of building Legos, I decided on Aerospace Engineering in third grade, because it combined all of the things I loved as a child.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
My favorite event I participated in was volunteering at Purdue Space Day in 2023. Being able to introduce kids to the topic of space which I loved so much was really rewarding. Being able to see the gears turning in the minds of kids as they tried to solve the problem of our station which was space junk, was a really cool experience.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Before I had even had my first class at Purdue, I was a member of the Purdue "All American" Marching Band. This is my third year playing sousaphone in the AAMB and I have loved every part of it. Being a part of the gameday experience at Purdue has been super rewarding. Nothing is more exhilarating then marching a halftime or pregame show in front of 60,000 people at Ross Ade.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I wanted to become an AAE ambassador because I wanted the opportunity to be able to help inspire the next generation of AAE students like how I was when I was in a freshman. One of my favorite parts of my role as the AAMB sousaphone section media manager is the opportunity to answer questions about our section from high schoolers curious about our program.

Favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Armstrong Atrium, where you can sit and see the air and space craft hanging above you

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class I have taken at Purdue so far has been AAE204, Aeromechanics II. I really enjoyed the work with structures and the way the lectures were structured. I really enjoyed solving the moments and reactions within a structure.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
One piece of advice I would give to a potential AAE student is to approach every situation like a sponge. Everyone has something that you can learn from, whether it's a professor or a fellow student. Try to soak up as much as you can and learn from those around you.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
I look up to Neil Armstrong. To me, Neil Armstrong isn't legendary because of his walk on the moon. I look up to him because of how close to his path he took that all Purdue engineering student take. It makes him seem human, that any one of us could become that next great icon, which makes him even more legendary in my opinion.

What motivates you to succeed?
My motivation to succeed is my internal drive and competitive nature to be my best. I can't stand the feeling of knowing that I didn't put my best effort towards something. As long as I know that I put my best effort into a task, no matter the result, I can sleep well at night.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to become an astronaut. While I want to start out as engineer in the industry, my ultimate goal would be to go to space as an astronaut and experience the feeling of being in space.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
I enjoy playing sousaphone in various athletic pep bands as well running and watching sports such as football and baseball. I also enjoy going to Purdue basketball games.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
My favorite fun fact about Purdue is that Neil Armstrong played baritone in the AAMB, Orville Redenbacher played Sousaphone, and the inventor of fiberglass also played sousaphone.