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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I chose AAE after being accepted into a summer program at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, where I realized that aerospace engineering was a natural extension of my high school interest in robotics.

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
The best organization I participated in AAE was my research project under Dr. Dai because I got to pursue my interest in controls before even taking any classes on the subject, and challenge myself. 

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
Outside of AAE, the best organization I participated in was Women in Engineering where I made a lot of friends early on and got to live in a great community my first year at Meredith South. 

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
My time at Purdue AAE has meant a great deal to me, and I would love the opportunity to serve as a liaison, sharing my experiences and encouraging others to choose a place that has had such a meaningful impact on me.

Favorite place on campus?
PMU Hotel and Leaps Cafe!

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class was signal analysis for aerospace engineering because it was directly relevant to my interest in controls, and also for the first time saw how the work I was doing can be applied to the field. Additionally, the math made me feel like I was finally really doing engineering. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Everyone here is very willing to help you and you do not (you probably can't) get through this major all on your own. 

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Sirisha Bandla (Purdue Alum) and one of the few Indian women to have such a visibly impressive aerospace engineering career, really made me feel as if I could do it too. 

What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated to succeed by the satisfaction of solving challenging problems and by the hope that one day I can pass on what I have learned to the next generation as a professor.

What is your ultimate career goal?
To earn a PhD and work in academia as a professor.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
I like hanging out with my friends and trying different coffee shops and restaurants on campus.

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
Freshman fountain run tradition