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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I have always been passionate about space and flight. Growing up, I constantly watched space documentaries and rocket launches with my family. That early excitement led me to Space Camp and eventually to earning my private pilot's license, solidifying my desire to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
AAESAC hosts a variety of events ranging from small AAE specific career fairs to socials for AAE students. I have really enjoyed going to their events because they give me an opportunity to connect with my peers in a non-academic environment and, on the flipside, opportunities to speak with aerospace companies on a smaller scale than huge events like IR!

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Outside of AAE, I am involved in the Purdue University Choir within Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO), and every year we host the Purdue Annual Christmas Show. It is such a unique organization and opportunity to be a part of because many of the people who make up PMO are engineers! We all share the same joy for music outside of class and get to perform every year in Elliott Hall of Music as a part of one of Purdue's longest standing traditions (almost coming up on 100 years).

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
Coming to Purdue, I was welcomed by outgoing, well-rounded, and intelligent people who I aspired to be like one day. I was shy in high school, so I made it one of my goals to become a strong leader. I am excited to continue developing my communication, networking, and public speaking skills, and I enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds and sharing my experiences. This role will help me become an even stronger representative of both Purdue and the aerospace profession, while giving me an opportunity to meet more people and stay heavily involved.

Favorite place on campus?
On campus, I love the Periodicals in Stewart. It's a great place for me to get work done (and a somewhat hidden gem). It is nice to be able to find an individual desk surrounded by books and quiet, and all the desks have windows and natural light!

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
ME 200: Thermodynamics. I loved being able to learn visually what the systems looked like and then apply what the system diagrams meant for the properties of the system. It was one of the classes in AAE that I really understood conceptually and enjoyed doing which was really rewarding during my first official year of the AAE major at the time. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Be involved and try new things! While many people say the major is hard, it is even harder when you don't add breaks with different activities to your schedule to keep your life balanced. I set a rule for myself to do one social or fun activity each day, even if that just means studying with a group of friends rather than on my own! Building a strong support system and a diverse community makes navigating tough classes so much easier.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Robert "Hoot" Gibson, a former NASA astronaut and commander of STS-71, the first Space Shuttle mission to dock with the Russian space station Mir. He was the guest speaker my first time at Space Camp, and I was instantly inspired by his wealth of knowledge. He shared a story about the moment the shuttle docked, and the American and Russian crews met with no shared language. They didn't know what else to do except give each other a massive high five. Coming from a multicultural household, I've always valued connecting with people from different backgrounds. I admired his ability to bridge cultural differences with a common accomplishment through a simple high five. That made me want to become more of a leader with empathy, and to bring people together across diverse backgrounds especially because learning about what makes someone authentic and seeking out their values can make better teams.

What motivates you to succeed?
My parents. Seeing how hard they worked to succeed and provide for our family taught me that great opportunities come to those who actively look for them. Knowing I can achieve my goals if I put my mind to it drives me to work hard every day, and I trust that everything happens for a reason. Any situation, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal is to be a Test Pilot in the aviation world and then become a Flight Director in Mission Control for human spaceflight. That being said, if I ever got the opportunity to become an astronaut, I would take it in an instant!

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I love to be surrounded by people and to be creative. I enjoy trying new foods and going on small adventures with friends, whether that just be a walk or even a weekend road trip. I value quality time and love meeting people. I also really enjoy art and like to take time for small craft projects whenever I get the chance.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
When they recover Amelia Earhart's plane, it will technically belong to Purdue because she flew in a plane purchased through the Purdue Research Foundation.