Eric Williamson — Indiana, U.S.
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Master's
Graduation: May 2023
Additive manufacturing of energetic materials. Reduces risk associated with working with these materials.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I hope to work in the rocketry field in either propulsion / dynamics to improve spaceflight capabilities
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
Don't lose sight of the bigger picture. It's all too easy in research to get bogged down with small aspects of every research problem, but this can lead to stress and wasted time if things don't work out. It's important to pursue these pieces of information but at the same time you have to constantly reassess how it plays into your research project and reframe accordingly.
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
Completing my undergraduate degree here, I was able to see firsthand the caliber of the education and mentorship that the University offered. This combined with my pursuit of a BS/MS degree as well as the high caliber AAE program that the University offers made the decision easy.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Consistently pushing forwards
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
The art exhibits! The engineering work is incredible but easy to find. There are several rotating galleries on campus that showcase student work and it's always enjoyable to see the projects coming out of there.
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
Running / biking on the trails surrounding campus is a great way to spend time. Horticulture Park, Happy Hollow, and the Wabash Heritage Trail are all beautiful year round and a great way to destress.
Q
Favorite quote and why:
A
"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life". The quote helps me reframe when things get difficult or it feels like they're not going in the correct way. Bearing this in mind better allows me to learn from these experiences and be better equipped to handle them in the future.
Q
Favorite vacation spot and why:
A
Titusville, Florida. Being able to escape Indiana weather for a bit is nice, and Titusville has the added bonus of being able to see rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.
