Why did you choose to study at Illinois?

I chose to study at U. of I. because it felt like the right balance between having independence and interdependence. Being close enough to home gave me a sense of comfort, while still allowing me the space to grow on my own, stepping outside my comfort zone and learning how to navigate through many of life’s unexpected challenges. That was the most important thing to me, especially knowing that the career path I was pursuing would likely take me far from home, where I wouldn’t always have the support system I had growing up in Chicago from my family and friends. U. of I. gave me the opportunity to develop independently and feel grounded no matter the circumstances I was in.

Why aerospace engineering?

Since I was little, I have had a fascination with airplanes. I remember wanting to join the air force simply for the chance of getting to fly a fighter jet alone. So, as I grew and explored different interests, I realized that aerospace engineering naturally brought together many of the things I already enjoyed. It combined the creativity I appreciated in architecture, where it made me feel that aircraft design was an art form of its own. It added the technical challenge of system integration in which I enjoyed seeing how individual components came together to complete a fully functional system. All while sparking my curiosity for aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, allowing me to continue my original passion for airplanes.

Shout out to someone who helped you most?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Merret and Laura Gerhold for the support they provided throughout my academic journey. They both played a key role in helping me get back on track after a less-than-ideal start, always offering guidance without judgment, regardless of how big or small my mistakes were. They consistently took the time to answer my questions, talk through my options, and help me see a path forward when things felt uncertain.

Because of their support and encouragement, I was not only able to successfully complete my undergraduate degree, but I am now confidently moving forward into the MEng program.

What helped you gain technical expertise?

Most of my technical expertise comes from my involvement in Design Build Fly, one of the aerospace focused registered student organizations at Illinois. Through DBF, I was able to work through the entire aircraft design cycle each year, with each competition year presenting a new challenge that forced the team to think outside the box and explore different system concepts. The hands-on experience DBF pushed on me allowed me to apply and reinforce core concepts learned in class, including aircraft sizing, structures, and CAD, all while exposing me to areas not heavily focused on in the curriculum such as manufacturing, maintenance and flight test. Lastly, due to the teams various integrated sub-teams I was able to make long-term friendships while gaining extremely important collaborative and communication-based skills that presented their own challenges and rewards.

How did choose a specialty?

At the start, I was convinced I wanted to focus and specialize in aerospace structures. However, during my time in AE321 and AE323 I quickly came to realize that it was not something I truly enjoyed or wanted to pursue long term. In contrast, AE311 and AE312 introduced me to aerodynamics and propulsion-related concepts that I had not previously considered as a possible focus. These courses felt more intuitive and engaging than any others I had taken up to that point, and I found myself naturally drawn to the problem solving and physical intuition behind the material.

This was later set in stone through AE433, where many of the core concepts carried over and allowed me to excel in the class and pursue a more propulsion-focused path which I was able to explore more deeply as the propulsion lead during senior design. In this role I was able to evaluate various propulsion systems and architectures and perform design iterations and redesigns using software such as GasTurb and truly fall in love with propulsion as a field of its own in aerospace.

Where did you find community at Illinois?

Not to sound like a broken record, but Design Build Fly played a huge role in helping me find my community. Through DBF, I met members from various backgrounds and academic years in which I could both learn from and even mentor. This led me to create long-term friendships and a strong support system that helped me stay motivated and academically successful. Being part of the team also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, opening me up to new ideas, perspectives, and interactions. DBF overall made my time at U of I feel less lonely and a lot more fun.

Describe a challenge you faced and how you resolved it? 

One of the most difficult challenges I faced was breaking out of old habits and building new ones that would lead to academic success. For a long time, I relied on the mindset that I could do everything on my own, and it wasn’t until I was placed on academic probation that I was forced to confront just how hurtful that mentality was to me. Academic probation became a turning point in my life that made me step back and reevaluate both my habits and priorities and recognize what truly mattered for my success as an undergraduate.

That experience pushed me to seek out a support group through new friendships, where we could work through class material together, hold each other accountable for our successes and failures, as well as set study habits I previously didn’t have. It also opened me to asking questions without fear of judgment, allowing me to become more comfortable reaching out to professors, TAs and peers, no matter how simple or obvious the question seemed. I really do owe a lot of my later success, whether it be grades and even friends to my early failures because when you’ve hit rock bottom the only way left is up.

What's something you're particularly proud of?

One of the things I am most proud of from my time at Illinois is pushing myself out of my comfort zone and growing into a more outgoing version of myself. Putting in the effort I did to open up allowed me to form the great friendships I have now and build a support system that I truly value. Without that growth, I don’t believe I would have navigated my undergraduate years as successfully or be as proud as I am today to call myself a University of Illinois aerospace engineer.

What's next for you?

I recently learned I have been accepted into the aerospace department’s MEng program, so I will continue to be at U. of I. and continue walking the Talbot halls beginning in the upcoming spring semester.

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

• Visit three long-time destination goals: Iceland, Rome, and Japan
• Attend Bésame Mucho festival
• Grow my cooking catalogue
• Explore more national parks across the United States
• Go skydiving