Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I was really passionate about the student culture on campus and the academics are unmatched. I truly feel like there is such a tight-knit community among the study body, even more so within the College of Engineering and I have found that success academically and socially is not limited to a select group of people. The campus is electric, the people are inspiring and motivating, and the faculty are so unbelievably supportive of all student endeavors, and that is something that I have not felt anywhere else.

Why did you choose engineering as a major?

I chose engineering as a major because it holistically combined my love for problem-solving, challenges, and in my case, biology. I have always been really passionate about knowing the intricacies of all things involved in sustaining life, down to the cellular level. In the case of biological engineering, I really enjoy solving the complex problems involved with supporting and engineering life beyond what is accepted on Earth and have designed my major to cater to my professional goals.

What is your favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer?

My favorite thing about being a Purdue Engineer is getting the opportunity to be involved in cohorts and classes that are composed of the next big change makers. It is really motivating for me to know that I am surrounded and am working with future scientists, discoverers, and professionals. While it is definitely never easy, I have only ever felt like being a Purdue Engineer is the place that I was meant to be.

What is your secret to success in the College of Engineering?

I would definitely say that the secret to success within the College of Engineering is to ask for help and to collaborate. I see so many high achieving students be afraid to ask for help because they fear that it is a sign of weakness, but being able to develop the skillset to advocate for success and ask for help is such a strength and has helped me so much. Utilize office hours, TAs, and faculty as they are only able to help if they know you need it! Self-advocacy can carry people so far and has helped me so much when I am unable to complete assignments or approach complex problems.

What is your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite Purdue memory was being able to conduct research at the Mars Desert Research Station in an analog Martian inhabitation mission! That experience was truly life-changing and taught me so much about resilience, flexibility, and teamwork under stress.