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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I was really obsessed with sci-fi and space as a kid (whether that be Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, or Stargate), and that interest has always stuck with me! After having amazing opportunities to do robotics and engineering in high school, I knew that engineering was the right path for me, and it all just seemed to click together. Getting the chance to work on spacecraft that can take us further than we have ever gone before is super exciting to me!

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
I've had amazing opportunities across plenty of incredible organizations in AAE (such as with PSP and PURPL), but I would have to say my favorite is the one I am focused on leading now, SOLVE at Purdue! We are working to build a (small), unmanned suborbital spaceplane to help support some of the amazing zero-gravity research happening here at Purdue, and around the world!

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
It has been great for the last year to work with Dr. Ware in the TREKS research group to do Lego robotics with elementary students in Lafayette! I've had the opportunity to get back to my robotics roots, while also getting the chance to teach and showcase engineering to students! 

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
I was interested in becoming an AAE ambassador because I want to become a resource that students, parents, alumni, companies, and more can rely on when they come to visit Purdue. My hope is to be able to share all the amazing experiences and opportunities I've had here at Purdue, while also talking honestly about what Purdue AAE can do for them! 

Favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would definitely be Armstrong Hall of Engineering (however cliche that might be)! I feel that I can always find inspiration walking through the building, and a great reminder of what I am working towards as an AAE student. 

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
My favorite class would have to be AAE 418, Zero-Gravity Flight Experiment. While I've enjoyed nearly every class I've taken in AAE, 418 really gave me the opportunity to apply my engineering skills to a hands-on project in aerospace, with that project being the focus of my entire time in the class. This really gave me a chance to dive deeper and become a subject matter expert in such a short time, while even getting the opportunity to go on my first business trip with AAE to New Mexico to see my payload launch at Spaceport America. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
My advice would be to actively look for opportunities everywhere on campus, whether that is in the AAE department, clubs, or just fun events to go to. Find something that you are passionate about, don't be afraid to switch directions, and use this time at Purdue to really find what you want to do!

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
I am constantly inspired by the two astronauts, John Young and Robert Crippen, who I read about in "Into the Black" in AAE 251, which was the story of the first shuttle mission, STS-1. It was amazing to me that the first shuttle mission ever launched was unmanned (with so many systems that couldn't be tested until it was in flight), and the amount of trust those two needed to have in the engineering behind the shuttle to bring them safely home. Their trust on that mission is a constant reminder of what I want to work towards as an engineer in AAE. 

What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated by everything that is going on in the aerospace industry at the moment (Starship, Artemis, Vast, etc.) and getting the opportunity to help and participate in whatever ways I can to advance human spaceflight. It is that underlying mission that pushes me to continue working diligently.

What is your ultimate career goal?
My ultimate goal is to work towards advancing long-distance human spaceflight through helping to support spacecraft development, whether through an already existing company, or my own! 

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
I like to relax with friends, work on 3D animations, build Legos, draw, and paint! I've also been getting into cooking over the last year, and am looking forward to getting better at it this year!

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
My favorite fun fact about Purdue is that you are constantly reminded of your major as an AAE student, since you can't go a couple minutes while being outside without seeing a plane fly overhead!