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Why did you choose Aeronautics and Astronautics?
I remember watching the DreamWorks intro as a child and wondering how the child sitting on the moon had got there. Now, I am learning how to design the rockets that could take us to the moon and beyond! I hope to use that knowledge to help make spaceflight more sustainable and accessible. 

Best event or organization you’ve participated in within AAE?
Purdue Space Program! The organization has given me the opportunity to work on exciting projects across both liquid and solid rockets, take on technical ownership early in my college career, and participate in more than 10 launches!

Best event or organization you’ve participated in outside of AAE?
The Society of Women Engineers! I have found incredible friends and mentors through SWE while building my professional network and exploring different sides of engineering. From attending the national conference to working on technical projects with industry partners, SWE has given me so many incredible opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Why did you want to be an AAE Ambassador?
Joining Purdue AAE has completely shaped my college experience and career. It has introduced me to incredible people, opportunities, and experiences that I never imagined were possible as a student. As an AAE Ambassador, I hope to help others find their place in the Purdue AAE community.

Favorite place on campus?
The second floor of the Purdue Memorial Union! It has a cozy atmosphere that makes it one of my favorite places to study, plus a great balcony to relax and spend time with friends when the weather is nice.

Favorite class you’ve taken thus far and why?
AAE 251! I loved seeing the fundamentals of aerospace engineering come together through hands-on problem solving and learning how the concepts we discussed in class connect to real aerospace systems.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a potential AAE student?
Say yes to every opportunity you have the bandwidth for! You never know who you will meet, what you will learn, or which doors an opportunity might open. There are so many things to explore at Purdue, and if you find that a project or organization is not challenging or exciting you, don't be afraid to try something new.

Who is someone you look up to in the Aero/Astro industry and why?
Yen Matsutomi! I met her during my freshman year at the Women in Aerospace Amelia Earhart Summit, and I have been inspired by her career in the aerospace industry and her work at Blue Origin.

What motivates you to succeed?
Knowing that the person I was ten years ago would be incredibly excited to see what I am doing today. I want to keep challenging myself, pursuing opportunities that excite me, and building a future that my younger self would be proud of.

What is your ultimate career goal?
I hope to work on liquid rocket engine design for orbital launch vehicles and contribute to the next generation of high-performance propulsion systems.

What do you like to do when you’re not studying/in the lab or classroom?
I love hanging out with friends, watching shows and movies, baking, and traveling!

Favorite Fun Fact about Purdue?
Purdue is known as the "Cradle of Astronauts." Thirty Purdue alumni have been selected for space missions, and nearly one-third of all U.S. crewed spaceflights have included at least one Purdue graduate!