After graduation, what's your next adventure?

I am coming right back her [to Tech] – probably the next day – to keep working with Dr. [Marilyn] Smith. Ultimately, I am targeting 2018 or 2019 to get my doctorate. All of my work is associated with CFD it applies to rotorcraft. My research focuses on looking for ways to make CFD codes run more quickly, efficiently, and accurately.

What about your next adventure are you most excited about?

With quals done, and classes almost finished, I am looking forward to just focusing on my research. Instead of working in the lab from 9 to 5, then going home to do my [class] homework, I’ll be able to treat my research like a job – focusing on it exclusively. Going to class really breaks up your day and your concentration.

Did you have any previous co-op internship or research experience that helped you get to this point?

As an undergrad I did a SpaceX internship in propulsion - doing tests on second stage engine gas generation. I also did an internship at for the Army Aeroflight Dynamics Directorate testing the implementation of FUN3D, a rotorcraft-specific CFD code that was created by NASA. Last summer interned at NASA Langley, running DCD ot get basic performance data for a new commercial aircraft design.

How did your educational experience at Georgia Tech help you achieve your goal?

Georgia Tech forced me to work hard. If you don’t work hard you don’t get anywhere. I’m pretty sure that at other schools you can get by with doing a lot less. That is just not the way it works here.

What advice would you give a student who was thinking about following your steps at Georgia Tech's aerospace engineering school?

You have to find a way to relax if you want to excel here. The stress will drive you crazy if you let it. I learned that from my undergraduate years, when I just didn’t sleep. When I started graduate school here, I started running. That’s my outlet now. I’ll be running the Disney Half Marathon in January.  But I’ve also learned to plan out my relaxation, so, for instance, last fall I went to Germany, Austria and Ireland for the Georgia Tech-Boston College football game. It was a week away from Tech, and it was time well-spent