Why did you choose to study at Illinois?

I chose to study at U. of I. for several reasons. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the intricacies of the world and how things work, which naturally led me to pursue engineering. Additionally, because my sister attended here, it was always on my radar. Its renowned engineering program, combined with its affordability given my circumstances, made it the ideal choice for me.

Why aerospace engineering?

Surprisingly, it was not my first choice. While in high school I was more driven to pursue environmental engineering. However, after realizing that the workforce was in need of more aerospace engineers, I started to look into it and I was immediately stunned by its adaptability to various principles. It is truly the Jack of all trades of engineering.

As aerospace engineers, we pursue such a wide range of topics from mechanical, electrical, computer science, civil and of course aerospace engineering. This allows aerospace engineers to be super adaptable in the workforce. The freedom and opportunity are what ultimately compelled me to join aerospace engineering at Illinois.

What course or professor helped you choose your specialty?

It was more personal than anything. I like to believe I chose this path. However, there were certainly individuals who grew my interest and showed me where my place in aerospace would be.

Thanks to professor Ornik’s AE353 class, I absolutely adore computer science and control systems now. He is an inspiration and has such an amazing character. His class, although challenging, helped me understand the world that is control systems. Making custom controllers and observers in his course was breathtaking because I realized how much of aerospace is driven by control algorithms. Other honorable mentions would be friends and companions throughout my time here who showed me what they’ve done in the workforce and realm of engineering. This university is full of inspiring and driven people, I am so happy to say I am one of them.

 What's projects stand out for you?

Autonomous drone control (AE483)

There were 10 Labs that showed the principles of AE353 on an ACTUAL DRONE (super cool!). Throughout this class, we had group work on deriving a controller and observer for application. (used python and C code)

Dynamical Control Systems (AE353)

-  Gyroscope Controller Stability (designed the stability of a gyroscope in an artificial environment)

-  Robot Navigational Control (designed a simulation where I was able to control a robot on wheels and avoid obstacles throughout a loop (like a video game)

-  Quad-Rotor hoop control (Created a simulation of a dynamical quad-rotor drone flying through an obstacle course)

 

Aeronautical Nose-Cone Manufacturing (IFE)

-  Used CAD software (SolidWorks) to design an aerodynamic nose cone for the Illini Formula Electric car with other aerospace engineers. We tested prototypes in wind tunnels and innovated constantly.

Sustainable Systems Project (AE498)

-  Simulated a region with certain parameters to conclude the best approach to sustainable aviation.

These projects certainly tested me and made me see myself as a resilient, dedicated, and capable AE student. I learned numerous lessons from automation, adaptability, sustainability, and control system manipulation while integrating them into these various projects to come out successful.

 

What are you particularly proud of?

Simply graduating from aerospace engineering from such a respected and competitive program is achievement enough, especially considering my life hardships. I have no debts and learned so much. I consider myself blessed in so many ways for this opportunity. I cannot wait for what awaits me in the real world.

Did you have any internships?

I recently completed a power systems electrical engineering internship with Kelso-Burnett this past summer. I loved all my co-workers and the experiences I have picked up from the opportunity. Although not directly aerospace related, it was still worth it and I would do it again. 

 

What extracurricular experience stands out as memorable for you?

Illinois Formula Electronic car has been my favorite experience at Illinois. Some days were stressful, but we had so much fun on our CAD models. The days when we texted our car were the best to see its applications. There's such a sense of goodness that comes from manufacturing something that works. I would really love working for F1 someday. It was a very impactful experience.

As a transfer student coming from community college through the Pathways program, I had some memorable experiences there as well. One standout extracurricular activity was my involvement with Oakton Robotics. Along with a group of colleagues, I participated in the annual NASA Robotics competition held at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Despite limited funding at Oakton, we sourced parts from around the world, estimated dynamic properties, developed controls, and built a fully functional rover. The rover was designed to mine regolith (a substance mimicking moon terrain) and securely contain it while navigating obstacles efficiently. Even with a modest budget of $10,000, we managed to place 15th out of 200 schools nationwide!

What's next for you?

I'm still deciding what I want to do. Part of me wants to travel around the globe, volunteer for two years and really get out there. Part of me wants to continue education and get a masters, and part of me wants to immediately go into the workforce.  

Most likely I will be in Chicago for some time, but I hope to move to a coastal region somewhere in the future.

 

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

Adapt and learn more about my religious faith

-                    Work on my physique and health (mental/physical)

-                    Work in developing naval ships/planes

-                    Travel to at least 5 countries

o   Greenland, Philippines, Turkey, Dubai, Colombia

-                    Help my parents, family, and friends