Why did you choose to study at Illinois?

I chose to study at U. of I. because I knew the undergraduate aerospace program had a great reputation and I wanted to go to a big school with sports and extracurriculars.

Why aerospace engineering?

I really appreciate the problem-solving aspect of engineering. For aerospace specifically, I’ve always loved fighter jets and other military aircraft. It was an easy decision to learn more about these aircraft.

Who helped you most?

I think the person that has helped me the most at U. of I. is Laura Gerhold. I always refer to Laura as my “school mom,” though she’s really more like the fun aunt. Laura always takes care of the students in this department either as a shoulder to lean on, ear to listen, or mentor to advise.

She always helps me to see things from another perspective which I value as a very stubborn and opinionated person. I’m very thankful for her support and the lessons she has taught me in my time here.

What projects helped you gain technical expertise?

I have spent three years on the Design Build Fly team at Illinois. Our team fully designs and builds a remote-control aircraft to fly in an AIAA competition each year. This past year, I led the team and completed the initial sizing for our aircraft.

I learned so much about the design process throughout this time which I am extremely grateful for. However, I think I learned more about how to give up control and trust in my team. A personal goal I had this year was to loosen up on the reigns and to allow my leads to truly lead their subteams. I couldn’t be prouder of their performance and what they were able to accomplish.

What are you particularly proud of?

I’m by far the proudest of the time I’ve spent as an Engineering Learning Assistant. I’d like to think I did everything I could to be what my students needed whenever they needed it. I tried to tell them about the mistakes I’ve made and what I learned from them. To listen when they wanted to share. To provide advice when they asked for it. Considering my students from the past two years still ask me to grab coffee or go on a walk, I must have done an okay job. I couldn’t be prouder of them, for what I’ve seen them accomplish and for what I know they will continue to accomplish in the future. 

Did you have any internships?

I have done both! I spent a year and a half working as an intern on the avionics engineering team at United Airlines in Chicago which is where I will return as a full-time engineer in July.

I also spent two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa over winter break with a group of engineering students who I’ve become great friends with.

Describe a challenge you faced and how you resolved it? 

One of the questions I am asked most often from our incoming and first-year students is “How do you juggle everything and still have fun in college?” I think we can all agree this is not an easy feat. I know it’s been one of my greatest struggles in my four years here.

 I think at my greatest load, I was an Engineering Learning Assistant, a part-time remote intern for United Airlines, technical writing lead for Design Build Fly, president of Women in Aerospace and taking junior-level courses. It was hard. Every spare moment I spent making memories with my friends. I always told my students, “Don’t let anyone fool you. Everyone is struggling even if they don’t show it.”

I honestly just wouldn’t allow myself to quit. Maybe I learned that from my parents, from my high school and travel coaches, or maybe I was just born that way. My greatest advice in life is to never quit. Lighten your load, do something different, or take a break to center yourself. But in life, you can’t give up.

What extracurricular experience stands out as memorable for you?

By far, my most memorable experience was the two-week Cape Town study abroad trip during my junior winter break. I would give anything to re-live that trip. I signed up with a few of my friends from the department but I made so many new friends, both in our group and people I met on the trip itself. I had never been overseas or experienced a culture so different from my own. I learned so much, experienced so many new things, and made lifelong friends. I loved every second of it and I can’t wait to go back one day.  

How did you decide what to do after you graduate?

I was very lucky in how much I loved my first internship. It was one and done. I couldn’t have asked for a better team at United Airlines, and I knew it was where I wanted to be. I have a wonderful group of coworkers, team lead, and director. I enjoy the work that I do and am proud to help people get where they’re going. I can’t wait to reunite with my team and continue making great memories at United.

How did the pandemic affect you?

COVID was moving past its peak when I arrived at Illinois. For students in my dorm, there was a period where they required us to test every day. For anyone that tested positive, you had to isolate yourself and from what I’ve heard, it was a lonely experience. I had friends that I couldn’t see for days and it really sucked for a bit.

But like anything, we either adapt or we fall victim to these challenges in life. I did the testing, wore the mask, and all the things that were required during COVID even if I hated it. But I learned to be patient and with time, we made it through until life went back to what it was supposed to be.

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

Working at an airline, it’s probably obvious, but I plan to travel a lot. I want to experience new places and cultures. I also want to spend as much time visiting my family and friends while I have the opportunity.

I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie as well. My bestie, Morgan Scott, and I have gone skydiving and destroyed a 22-mile hike in the last two summers and let’s just say, I can’t wait to do more crazy stuff with her.