What is your next adventure?

I will be continuing my studies. I’m seeking a master's degree in aerospace engineering through an Air Force program called the STEM Strategic Scholars program (SSP). The Strategic Scholars Program is competitive and only selects 10 people nationwide. I’m honored to have been selected. Starting this fall, I will be conducting research in the Systems Integration Division at GTRI. My tuition will be waived, and GTRI will cover my fees. 

What about your next adventure are you most looking forward to?

I look forward to continuing my studies and choosing classes that pique my interest. I will continue my outreach work, which is very important to me. I would not be where I am, whether getting into grad school or going to Georgia Tech, were it not for my mentors along the way. I've already mentored others, but don't want to stop after earning my undergraduate degree. It will be awesome to stay connected with the undergraduate students and the Air Force ROTC members. I had the privilege of being the cadet wing commander, the highest-ranking cadet. I'll be leaving, but I'll still provide mentorship, and I’m looking forward to it. I interviewed for the position to develop a culture of empathetic leaders. It’s essential, especially with so many different perspectives.

Did you have any previous co-op, internship, or research experience in this area?

I started working for the Georgia Space Grant Consortium in the fall of 2021, working closely with the Hines Family Foundation. After my first year, or the summer of 2022, I was awarded the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship. I interned at L3 Harris Technologies, working on their mechanical design team. I returned to L3 Harris Technologies the following summer, working on mechanical testing on their carbon nanotube mesh and radio frequency data from their satellites, and that was exciting. I also conducted research in the Space Systems Design Lab on the propulsion management team working on the Green Propellant Dual Mode (GPDM) system.

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

Georgia Tech exposed me to a wide range of areas within the aerospace industry. So, not only was I able to physically touch machinery, but I also worked with software and hardware. It also taught me soft skills like communication and working in teams. I was able to work in large teams and small teams, whether it be in AE4610, which I'm in now, that has 5-6 people, or whether it be a larger-scale group such as SSDL, working with 20 others. I've been here for four years, and I’ve enjoyed myself. I have probably forgotten more good memories than I can remember. The mentors were important and helped me along the way. Professor Griendling and Alysia Watson were great mentors to me.

What advice would you give to an underclassman who would like to follow the same path?

First, don't shy away from making friends or talking to people in your classes. You'll be surprised by how frequently you see them as you continue through this program. Second, expose yourself to different parts of AE that you may not initially be interested in. The reason being that you may realize what you don't want to do and discover that you love doing this other thing. Third, take the time to mentor others. If we want to create a better environment within Georgia Tech, the aerospace industry, and aerospace as a whole, this is crucial. The goal is to set that foundation for the next generation of engineers. Use your resources, not just the professors, but staff, other students, and organizations to uncover opportunities and to learn more.