FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Art critic Okakura Kakuzo once said, “The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Moving multiple times due to my dad’s job taught me resilience and adaptability. Living in Colorado, I embraced skiing and community service with Jack and Jill of America, fostering leadership skills. Illinois introduced me to basketball, golf, and engineering, igniting my passion for mechanical engineering through VEX Robotics and TSA competitions. Joining NASA’s Space University further fueled my dream. Now, I see North Carolina A&T as the next step in mastering my journey of adaptation and success.
In the future, I want to help expand the accessibility of machines so they can benefit diverse groups of people.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
After attending a STEM event in middle school, my newly discovered passion for STEM led me to take engineering courses with the nonprofit organization Project Lead the Way (PLTW). I had the opportunity to do unique projects such as building prototypes for people with cerebral palsy and researching innovative engineering mechanisms worldwide. These courses prompted my interest in mechanical engineering, and before I knew it, I was diving deeper into the field during my PLTW Principles of Engineering I & II courses. These courses taught me how mechanical engineers help improve the world by utilizing robotics, 3D modeling, and prototyping. In the future, I want to help expand the accessibility of machines so they can benefit diverse groups of people. Likewise, I want to make these machines cost-effective so people of all socio-economic backgrounds can access them.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
My interests and hobbies include creating memories with my family and friends, seeking adventures through travel, gaming, and watching sporting events.
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