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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
Aeronautics and Astronautics is not just an interest of mine, it has been a dream since childhood. I moved around a lot growing up, but one constant was the sky: watching airplanes buzz overhead or looking up and wondering where they were going. Watching space missions on television gave me a thrill like nothing else, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world someday. AeroAstro gives me a direction and an opportunity to turn the things that have excited me for as long as I can remember into something I can build, study, and one day contribute to.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
Purdue Space Day (PSD) has been one of my favorite experiences at Purdue because it reminds me why I fell in love with aerospace in the first place. Seeing students of all ages come together to learn about space, build things, and get excited about STEM is incredibly rewarding. One of the most memorable moments is seeing a Purdue alumnus who became an astronaut spending the day with us. It is a powerful reminder that the dreams we have as children can become the realities we work toward. Every year, PSD reminds me that aerospace is not only about the things we build and discover, but also about inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
One of my favorite experiences outside of AAE was Purdue's Spring Night Market. After spending so much of the semester focused on classes, projects, and organizations, it was nice to just slow down and enjoy an evening with friends. There was music, dancing, food, and so many people coming together, and I loved getting to simply be present and enjoy the moment. It reminded me that some of the best parts of college are not always the big accomplishments, but the little moments you get to share with the people around you.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I wanted to become an AeroAstro Ambassador because I know how much it can mean to have someone make a university feel a little less intimidating and a lot more exciting. I want to share my experiences at Purdue, not just the classes and opportunities, but the people, projects, and moments that have made this place feel like home. I also want to help prospective students see that there is no single way to be an AeroAstro student; there is room to explore your interests, find your community, and create your own path. Most importantly, I want to help another student see that Purdue could be more than where they earn a degree, it could be where they discover what they are capable of.

Favorite place on campus?
The Rawls bridge is my favorite place on campus. 

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
Thermodynamics has been one of my favorite classes at Purdue because I enjoyed seeing how concepts like energy, heat, and work come together to explain how engines and other engineering systems operate. I also really enjoyed learning from my professor and the SI instructor, who made the material simply engaging.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
AAE may seem intimidating at first, and there will definitely be moments when you wonder if you can keep up. My advice is to take it one challenge at a time and trust yourself through the difficult parts. When you finally look back at everything you've accomplished, you'll have a moment where you are astounded by yourself. The hard moments are part of what makes the accomplishment so rewarding.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
There are so many incredible people in the aerospace industry that I could name, but Neil Armstrong has been one of my strongest inspirations from the very beginning. His journey from studying aeronautical engineering at Purdue to becoming the first person to walk on the Moon has always made space exploration feel a little more tangible to me. I admire not only what he accomplished, but also his humility and dedication to engineering. As a Purdue AeroAstro student, his story is a constant reminder of how far curiosity, perseverance, and a dream can take you.

What motivates you to succeed?
IMy ambition is probably my biggest motivation to succeed. I'm always thinking about what I can accomplish next and how far I can push myself, and I genuinely enjoy challenging myself to see what I'm capable of. There are so many things I want to experience, build, and contribute to, and that keeps me moving forward even when things get difficult. For me, success is less about reaching one specific goal and more about knowing I gave myself the opportunity to see how far I could go.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to become an astronaut and contribute to the future of human space exploration. I want to build the technical expertise to design, operate, and improve the systems that make ambitious missions possible, while eventually having the opportunity to experience that exploration firsthand. Beyond becoming an astronaut, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the field and inspire others to believe that seemingly impossible dreams are worth pursuing.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
When I'm not in the classroom, I love spending time with my friends and family. Whether we're going somewhere, trying something new, or just sitting around laughing about absolutely nothing, I really enjoy being present and making memories with the people I care about. With how busy college can get, those moments give me a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the little things.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
Honors has really nice dorms!