Empowering youth with knowledge and skills is not just about individual success; it's about shaping the future of our society. When we invest in young minds, we're investing in innovation, progress, and solutions to global challenges. Every student who discovers a passion for STEM through our programs could be the one to develop the next breakthrough in renewable energy, space exploration, or medical technology.
From High School Dreamer to Community Changemaker and Aerospace Engineer
Why did you choose to study Aerospace Engineering?
My journey into aerospace engineering began with a childhood fascination with space and flight. The last NASA space shuttle launch in 2011, when I was just seven years old, ignited a spark of curiosity that would shape my future. This interest intensified in 6th grade when I witnessed the first self-landing space rocket on TV, solidifying my devotion to pursuing aerospace engineering.
Unlike many of my peers who dreamed of becoming astronauts, I was captivated by the vehicles that made space exploration possible. I often declared my ambition to be a "SpaceShip Builder," unknowingly describing the field of aerospace engineering. Over the years, this early passion evolved into a deep commitment to the industry and a clear vision for my future.
My father played a crucial role in nurturing my interest in engineering. He introduced me to the concept that engineers are "one of the core pillars of our modern society." This early exposure helped me appreciate the profound impact of engineering on everyday technologies and inspired me to join this innovative community. It instilled in me a belief in the power of knowledge to shape our world and the importance of continuous learning.
Financial challenges in my family also shaped my perspective. My mother's entrepreneurial spirit in overcoming these difficulties instilled in me a desire to combine engineering skills with business acumen. This experience taught me resilience and the value of creative problem-solving. I believe this unique combination will allow me to drive innovation in the growing space economy, whether through launch systems, robotics, satellite development, and more, while also addressing real-world fiscal challenges.
As I've grown, my understanding of aerospace engineering has deepened. I've come to realize that being an aerospace technologist involves more than just applying technical skills to an air and space system; it requires a profound passion for the types of problems being solved. The field of aerospace engineering excites me because it pushes technological boundaries, offers interdisciplinary challenges, and has the potential to make a global impact.
The sky no longer limits us; the universe is our gateway.
This sentiment encapsulates my belief in the boundless potential of aerospace engineering and my commitment to contributing to this exciting field. By pursuing this path, I aim not only to fulfill my childhood dreams but also to play a role in shaping the future of space exploration and technology for the benefit of all.
What student groups or clubs are you a part of, if any, and what do you enjoy about them?
As a high school senior, I stood at a crossroads, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a burning desire to make a difference in my community. My journey began with a simple quest for student service-learning hours, which led me to the College Park Museum. Little did I know that this opportunity would catalyze a transformative mission.
The museum director, Kevin Cabrera, expressed a pressing need for more tech programs, particularly aviation and robotics. Local students often visited the museum, eager to learn new skills, but STEM opportunities were limited. Despite the challenging nature of this task, I saw it as an opportunity to effect meaningful change in Prince George's County.
My path to gaining technical experience before college took a lot of work. Financial barriers prevented me from joining specialized high school STEM programs or clubs like the Robotics Club, which had a prohibitive $200 fee. Undeterred, I took matters into my own hands, teaching myself to build my own robotic system, a drone. This self-directed learning became the foundation upon which I built my future endeavors.
With determination and a vision for change, I proposed creating the first robotics program at the College Park Museum. Thus, Drone Academy was born. Over the past three years, it has become a beacon for students eager to learn about engineering and robotics, providing them with the technical skills I once sought. Our curriculum complements classroom learning, offering practical applications of STEM concepts. We host workshops at the museum and partner with local Prince George’s County high schools, where students get hands-on experience building and programming drones. Additionally, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, we organize field trips for high school classes to visit multiple UMD Labs, bringing the excitement of aviation and robotics directly to the students.
I am profoundly grateful to Kevin Cabrera for believing in a high school student's potential and allowing me to make a difference. More importantly, I would also like to acknowledge Kimberly Schwartz and Shelby Powell, who helped me create the program from the ground up.
Today, Drone Academy is more than just an educational program; it's a transformative experience. We teach students how to build quadcopters using commercial parts and open-source software, covering electrical hardware, software, and mechanics. This hands-on experience ignites a spark that propels students toward impactful careers in aerospace engineering.
My commitment to innovation extends well beyond the Drone Academy. As an active member of the Terrapin Rocket Team at the University of Maryland, I have contributed to designing avionics systems for our rockets' airbrakes. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of aerospace engineering while solidifying my passion for avionics, robotics, and control systems.
In the summer of 2024, I interned at the UAS Research and Operations Center (UROC), where I researched and developed autonomous UAV systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. During this internship, I also honed my skills in drone building and manufacturing. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with the next generation of engineers in Prince George's County, inspiring them to explore and innovate in the field of aerospace engineering.
Additionally, my experience as a Patti Grace Fellow opened doors to invaluable opportunities. I connected with aerospace professionals from across the nation while forming lasting bonds with a talented cohort of peers. My internship at Zipline further expanded my horizons, offering insights into the commercial UAV industry and the dynamic Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. These experiences have been transformative, and I am deeply grateful for them. I aspire to give back to my community and industry with the same generosity and inspiration I have received.
What drives me every day is the potential to be at the forefront of new technologies that can genuinely help people. Aerospace technology will bring unprecedented innovation and become even more intertwined with our economy in the coming decades. As a college junior, I'm building my foundation as an expert, aspiring to become a future leader in the next-generation technology economy.
The journey from a high school dreamer to a college junior dedicated to community service and technical advancement has shaped my core values. My experiences have instilled a deep commitment to building technology and programs that can advance society. I am driven by the principles of innovation, accessibility, and empowerment.
Why Spreading Knowledge to Youth Matters to Me
My passion for educating young people stems from my own experiences. I know firsthand the frustration of having a burning desire to learn but facing barriers to access. By creating Drone Academy and continuing to mentor young students, I'm working to break down those barriers and provide opportunities I wish I’d had.
Empowering youth with knowledge and skills is not just about individual success; it's about shaping the future of our society. When we invest in young minds, we're investing in innovation, progress, and solutions to global challenges. Every student who discovers a passion for STEM through our programs could be the one to develop the next breakthrough in renewable energy, space exploration, or medical technology.
Moreover, knowledge is a great equalizer. By making technical education accessible to all, regardless of financial background, we can help level the playing field and create a more just and innovative society. This is why I'm committed to continuing this work, expanding our reach, and inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
As I look to the future, I plan to continue creating opportunities for others, just as I was given the chance to pursue my dreams. My story is not just about personal achievement; it's about the ripple effect of knowledge and the power of believing in young people's potential to change the world.
What advice would you offer future engineers hoping to pursue aerospace engineering?
My experience has taught me many valuable lessons, but one stands out: balance is key. As you pursue any engineering discipline, learn to strike a balance between seizing opportunities and maintaining focus on your goals. Here are some guiding principles to help you navigate your journey in aerospace engineering:
Be Open to Opportunities
At the beginning of your engineering journey, embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Join engineering teams, participate in research, or explore start-up ventures. In my case, I explored drones, robotics, and rocketry, which allowed me to discover new passions and broaden my skill set.
As you gain exposure to various fields, take the time to reflect on what truly excites you. Identify areas you want to master and devote yourself to developing expertise. For example, I found immense joy in building and programming drones, which led to multiple exciting projects. Today, I share that passion by teaching others the same skills.
Adapt and Stay True to Your Core Dreams
Life and careers are too nuanced to limit yourself to a single skill or path. Use your core beliefs and dreams as a compass to guide your decisions, but remain flexible. For example, while I might work in the UAV industry as an aerospace engineer, I am always mindful of the dream that brought me to the University of Maryland: to create something that ventures beyond Earth into space. Each step I take brings me closer to that goal, and I remain open to new opportunities that align with my aspirations.
Embrace Uncertainty
The future is unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure. While I can’t say where I’ll be in five years, I trust the principles I’ve learned along my journey. By staying open, focused, and true to my dreams, I have faith in the decisions I make and the path I’m forging.
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