What made you decide to get a graduate degree?

Following my undergraduate degree, I wanted to gain a more holistic understanding of aerospace engineering—how it is done at the systems level instead of the very detailed aspects of it –like what an undergraduate student would be exposed to. Having the opportunity to view aerospace engineering from a different perspective is certainly something I knew I needed.

Why Illinois?

I really enjoyed my time here as an undergraduate. I’ve met people here that I will cherish forever. I thought that the familiarity of being in Illinois for my master’s degree would help me in overall learning. I felt that being in a completely new environment would provide a different set of potential issues that I did not wish to experience during my master’s degree.

What helped you choose your specialty?

During my undergraduate years, I particularly enjoyed AE443 with Dr. Merret. Because of this, I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in AE so  I could have a more holistic view of aerospace engineering. I took more aerodynamics-tailored classes as that is what I am most interested in, but I enjoyed other aspects such as structures and controls.

 What challenges or breakthroughs did you experience along the way?

Having graduated from my undergraduate program, my involvement in school organizations naturally came to an end. I spent three years in Illini Formula Electric (known as IFE, and is the precursor to the current Illini Electric Motorsports team). It used to consume most of my time. With my involvement in IFE ended, the routine of consistently working on something else outside of classes suddenly stopped and I found myself feeling as if I wasn’t doing much. I decided I needed to change this so I got involved in Design Build Fly in the first months of my graduate degree. I helped the team both as a member and mentor to help answer technical questions they have.

In terms of breakthroughs, my experience in my second semester in an independent study course with Dr. Merret helped me to discover more uses and analysis capabilities of FlightStream (a 3D panel method code for aerodynamic and stability and control analysis). I have discovered robust methods to link geometries in OpenVSP to FlightStream, ultimately aiding the current seniors in their capstone project course because both OpenVSP and FlightStream are both used heavily there.

What do you do for fun?

Outside of studying, I like to play my electric guitar and exercise three to four times a week. I find that non-academic activities help relieve stress and provide an opportunity for a break. I also often play video games as an escape from reality. In school break times, I have been trying to go to more National Parks. I enjoy seeing the amazing sights and being outdoors.

What is your career goal?

I would like to have a continuous and significant contribution to the civil aviation industry. This can either be from designing new commercial aircraft or from other aspects that help boost and continue the growth of aviation.

 What's on your bucket list for the next 5 years?

1. Explore more National Parks in the U.S.
2. Always enjoy my job and learn from it.
3. Do more karting and maybe join an amateur racing league.
4. Learn to cook more foods and improve my cooking skills.
5. Go to more metal shows!

What advice would you share with someone considering an advanced degree?

Make sure an advanced degree is something that aligns with your overall goal, both in life and in your career. It will be a steppingstone toward that ultimate goal. Also, do your advanced degree earlier in your career, or straight out of your bachelor’s if you can. Getting back to the school routine will certainly be difficult if you wait too long.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Embrace that you will learn things that you are not familiar with, even in the slightest. Graduate degrees often represent a different set of learning opportunities that you may not get elsewhere, even in your undergraduate degree.