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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I chose Aeronautics and Astronautics because I wanted to study something that would make me excited to learn and make me look up, literally and figuratively. I didn't come to Purdue knowing exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to challenge myself and work on something that combined creativity, physics, and problem-solving. As I explored AAE, I became especially interested in controls and autonomy and how we can give machines the ability to understand their environment and make decisions.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
One of my favorite experiences in AAE has been participating in the Amelia Earhart Aerospace Summit. I really enjoyed learning about the many different career paths within aerospace and hearing from speakers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. I especially appreciated the connection to Amelia Earhart's legacy at Purdue and her belief in encouraging women to pursue careers that require intelligence, courage, and determination. The summit inspired me to think more broadly about the possibilities within aerospace and the kind of engineer I want to become.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
One of my favorite experiences outside of AAE has been being part of Purdue Aharya, a premier classical dance team. Performing in Diwali shows and traveling for competitions has allowed me to pursue my passion for dance while building meaningful friendships and creating unforgettable memories. It's been a great creative balance to my life as an engineering student.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I wanted to be an AAE Ambassador because I know what it feels like to come to Purdue without having everything figured out. I want prospective students to know that they don't need to have their entire future planned before they start. Sometimes all it takes is asking a question, joining a project, or walking into a lab. I want to help students see the opportunities available in AAE and feel encouraged to explore them.

Favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Purdue Memorial Union. I love how it brings together so many different parts of the Purdue community. The flags, the fireplace, and the overall atmosphere make it feel especially welcoming. It's even more special during Christmas, when the decorations and lights make PMU feel so warm and festive. Whether I'm studying, grabbing food, meeting friends, or just taking a break between classes, PMU is one of my favorite places to spend time on campus.

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class so far has been AAE 251: Introduction to Aerospace Design. I really enjoyed getting to work on a team and apply what we were learning to an actual aerospace design problem. My team was especially fun to work with, we had a great dynamic, and I genuinely looked forward to working together. The class showed me how much collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving go into aerospace engineering, which made it one of my favorite experiences at Purdue.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Don't be afraid to ask. Ask the professor the question you think might be obvious. Ask a lab if you can get involved. Ask an older student about their experience. Ask yourself what you're actually curious about. You don't have to know exactly where a question will lead, you just have to be willing to ask it.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
I look up to Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam because of his contributions to India's aerospace and space programs and his dedication to inspiring young engineers. I admire how he combined technical knowledge with curiosity, humility, and a strong desire to make a difference. His journey reminds me that engineering is not just about building things, but about using what you learn to create a meaningful impact.

What motivates you to succeed?
I'm motivated by curiosity. I like reaching a point where I don't know the answer yet and realizing that I have the opportunity to figure it out. I'm also motivated by the people around me, my peers, mentors, professors, and teammates, and by the possibility of working on something that I can look back on and say, "I helped build that."

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate goal is to work at the intersection of controls, autonomy, and sustainability in aerospace. I want to develop intelligent, efficient systems that can make aerospace vehicles smarter, safer, and more sustainable, while helping push the boundaries of what they can achieve.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
When I'm not studying, I love dancing, writing poetry, and spending time with my friends. Dance is a big creative outlet for me and gives me a way to step away from engineering and express myself. I also enjoy writing poetry and finding time to relax, explore campus, and make memories with friends.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
One of my favorite fun facts about Purdue is that Purdue is continuing its legacy in space through an upcoming Virgin Galactic suborbital flight featuring an all-Purdue crew, scheduled for 2027.