What makes you a Difference Maker?
I believe I’m a Difference Maker because of my role in the Formula SAE program, and the impact that it has on the college and community as a whole. Having the opportunity to lead one of the most talented and unique groups of engineering students on campus is an honor to me, and as we continue to prove ourselves as one of the top contenders in the world, I strive to continue building the program even more.
This year I set us up to participate in the SAE Learn Twice program at my old middle school to teach kids about physics and get them interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs. I’ve had two internships, gone to school full time and have become increasingly involved in Formula SAE.
My involvement on campus has allowed me the opportunity to appear with the Formula car on Fox2 News, speak with Senator Gary Peters, dine with industry executives, build university connections and all-around promote what UM-Dearborn CECS and the Formula SAE program here are all about.
Highlight your campus achievements:
Since I’ve been involved in the Formula SAE program, we’ve become one of the best and most unique teams. Although much of the groundwork was laid by other members and carried out by those around me as well, it’s still an honor to get to continue leading the program to its best finishes in its history. As the school continues expanding, I believe I’m playing my part in expanding the innovation and success of the organization.
I see so much passion within the Formula SAE program on our campus from some of the brightest and most inventive students at the university. I enjoy the challenges raised by such high expectation and such diverse ideas, and am proud to be making a difference that is greater than myself and that has such a profound impact on others and our university.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
My leadership experience really started on campus since I had to work in group projects for class and then from the Formula SAE team, but I appreciate the ability to take those skills and apply them to everyday life outside of campus as well. Even from such things as organizing a group trip or providing insight at work based on the skills I’ve learned at school, I find myself every day more confident and willing to accept responsibilities I otherwise never would’ve.
I’ve learned the ability to handle stress, manage money, organize over a hundred people, make decisions based off my own background as well as others input, how to make compromises, how to separate personal and professional thoughts, how to conduct myself in a way that is reflective of not only myself, but also others I represent and I’d say above all, time management. There are more skills than this learned weekly, but I attribute my strengths in these areas to my ability to lead while at school and appreciate how applicable they are to everyday life.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
I suppose I should have my life plans a bit more figured out, but my dream career would be working with an aerospace company—private or government—working to engineer new technologies for traveling to space more efficiently and safely. I find propulsion systems, fluid dynamics and composite material structures all very interesting and worth pursuing. I’ve gained a strong basic mechanical engineering knowledge during my undergraduate studies, but ideally I’d be able to pursue a master’s in aerospace engineering in the not-so-distant future, to be able to focus more on my specific interests. I’ve learned that many doors open in life that are unexpected, however, and as I continue my current path within the automotive field, I find more interest in what it has to offer as well.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
I believe the defining moment that changed my time here at UM-Dearborn was during my first competition at Michigan International Speedway, my first year on the Formula SAE team. Throughout the season, I became more involved in the program and became a part of what seemed like a tight-knit family. I knew I didn’t have nearly as much time put in or responsibilities of the older members, but I wanted to put my time in and enjoy every second of it. It wasn’t until we got the very unexpected and incredible news at the end of competition of an 8th place overall finish did I really understand what Formula SAE was all about—long nights, long days, tedious design and a flurry of manufacturing and testing for an entire year finally made sense. Everyone celebrated together because it was by working as a team and doing the absolute best we could that we defied even what we thought was possible that year. We got an award for most improved team, and since have gone on to get another 8th place MIS finish, as well as top-five finishes and winning at other events. It was at that moment that I knew how much this program meant and how passionate a group of students we really had. Members and designs constantly change, but I knew I wanted to be an integral part of carrying on the success and atmosphere that I was so lucky to be a part of that day. By the next season I was Aerodynamics lead, and now, I’m the team president with even more passion than what was sparked during that defining moment.