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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I chose Aeronautics and Astronautics because I want to be a part of the field that is pushing for the next frontier of space exploration. Pushing for what is seemingly science fiction to become real is such an unreal possibility, and one that I cannot miss.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
The best organization I have participated in AAE is Purdue Orbital. They gave me real insight as to what being on an engineering team is like and it allowed me to develop interpersonal and technical skills too.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
The best organization I have participated in outside of AAE is the Purdue All-American Marching Band. I have met so many lifelong friends in the AAMB and I am proud to be a part of such a longstanding tradition at Purdue.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I want to be an AAE Ambassador because I want to help show just how incredible AAE is and begin developing that passion in others. I want incoming students to know that the field encompasses such a broad array of content and that they what they learn will be applicable almost anywhere.

Favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is anywhere I can see the bell tower at night. It reminds me of why I came to Purdue and the drive to keep pushing, even after those long study nights.

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class I have taken so far is AAE 532. I loved this class because of the improvement I made in my MATLAB skills. I was able to plot 3D orbits, design functions for numerical solutions, all of which helped propagate my love for astrodynamics and space applications.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
One piece I would give to a potential AAE student is definitely go to office hours. Whether it be TA or professor office hours, getting help is not something you should be ashamed of and you'll have the chance to meet new people and get to learn more about your TAs/professors!

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Someone I look up to in the AAE industry is Neil Armstrong. Of course the fact that he went to Purdue helps, but the reason I am affected so much by his story is the fact that he was an average American who went through life like so many of us, only he was the first to step foot on the moon.

What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated by my family and the desire to make them proud. My parents and my brothers are the reason I am here, and they constantly push me to be the best I can be.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate career goal would be to help design/create new ways of interplanetary travel, allowing for the next era of human exploration.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
I like to read when I can, but I also love playing video games or playing IM sports here. 

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
My favorite fun fact about Purdue is that we are the #1 public university to have graduated the most astronauts.