Hometown: San Angelo, TX

Technical Area: Still Undecided

What made you decide to pursue an aerospace engineering degree?

Engineering originally appealed to me because I always seemed to enjoy (and be more successful with) math and science classes. While taking physics in high school, I became interested in the cosmos (small and large) of the universe. This aspect has me leaning towards the space flight side of aerospace engineering. On the other hand, objects flying through the air at high speeds, like jet fighters and rockets, have been intriguing me since my father took my siblings and I to see the Blue Angels as kids. Also, I've always been amazed by helicopters, mainly because my father has been flying them ever since I can remember.

How has involvement in student organizations made a difference in your education?

Involvement with American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) has had the biggest impact for me so far. I have been able to meet so many of the other aerospace students at AIAA events and meetings, as well as hear and meet established and influential people who work in industry. AIAA also gave me the opportunity to travel to NASA-Johnson Space Center with other members. I have had many fun times with AIAA and I believe that every aerospace student should be a member. It is also a great way to network.

What has been your biggest reward while pursuing your aerospace degree at UT?

There are actually two experiences that aerospace students have the opportunity to be a part of. When professors relate their course to something real in the world, there is an amazing feeling that comes from knowing how and why that something actually works, especially if it is used every day. Although I still don't know how to work on every part of my car, knowing what is happening in the Otto cycle (gasoline engine) is awesome and meaningful; I understand where the power comes from to rotate the wheels on my car, how to calculate power of an engine, why diesel engines are used on a large scale, and so on.

The second experience is actually building something and having it in hand. I tried Design/Build/Fly (DBF) for a semester and when the other students and I made a few pairs of wings for an airplane, I was astounded. Holding a small version of a part of something that takes people into the sky and across the world is indescribable.