Why aerospace engineering?

I always knew I wanted to study engineering, but I didn’t really know what to specialize in for a while. I became more and more interested once I started looking at the different options, and I may have been biased after I attended some of the air shows at Scott Air Force Base, which is close to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

Why did you choose to study at UIUC?

I chose to come to UIUC because of the broad array of activities and opportunities offered here. Initially, I wanted to minor in music, and I really liked the program when I toured here. Although I didn’t end up doing that due to my busy schedule, all the available registered student organizations meant I didn’t have much trouble finding a group of people with similar interests.

What helped you choose your specialty?

I think different classes helped me become interested in different topics. For example, taking AE442/443 senior design with Professor Merret broadened by knowledge of all the different specialties that are in aerospace engineering. Afterwards, taking Professor Rovey’s AE433 propulsion class cemented my love for propulsion. 

 What's a project that stands out for you?

One project that really stood out to me was being part of the VEXU Robotics team. I participated in a former team during high school, but what threw me off guard was the expectations for the engineering notebook, which is a report about our robots. That was the first time I had to do so much technical writing. It taught me that documentation is just as important as technical work, and it should never be overlooked

What extracurricular experience is memorable?

My most memorable RSO experience was going to the Design, Build, Fly competition in Tucson, Arizona this past spring! Our team made so much progress over the past year, and although we didn’t perform as well as we hoped, I had an amazing time competing against the other schools and working with our amazing team, and I know that moving forward, they’re going to do even better.

Describe something you are particularly proud of.

During senior design, I worked with six other students in designing a hybrid electric regional turboprop aircraft. I was responsible for the propulsion and certifications sections of it. We didn’t end up winning the AIAA competition, but I’ve learned so much about the topics that I studied that would not have been possible in the normal classroom setting. I’m super proud of the work I put in and the finished product our team put together.

 Did you have any internships?

I’ve had two experiences! I worked at GE Aerospace in spring of 2022 in Lafayette, Indiana where I assisted with maintenance and repair for the LEAP 1A and 1B engines. I then returned to GE in summer of 2023, moving to Cincinnati, Ohio where I focused on performing aerodynamic tests for the RISE engine.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be moving to Cincinnati to work at GE Aerospace! I’ll be joining the Edison Engineering Development program, which is a rotational program where I’ll get to work with a different team for the next few years while studying to get my master’s degree. For my first rotation, I’ll be working on thermal systems design and component cooling for GE’s military engines.

Do you have other career goals?

Some time in my career, I would love to be a design engineer and contribute to the development of a new product! Both aircraft and engine design fascinate me.

What’s on your bucket list of must-dos for the next 5 years?

I would love to visit Greece one day, as well as spend more time finally learning Mandarin.