Why did you choose to study MSE?

I chose to study MSE because I really liked chemistry in highschool and was originally planning on studying chemical engineering. Over the summer, I read a book called “Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War” and the first chapter was about the properties of the uniform that soldiers wear to keep them dry, bug free and safer from dangerous chemicals. I was completely fascinated and immediately changed my major when I was applying for schools.

What do you like most about MSE? 

I like how interdisciplinary MSE is. Everything that I have learned shows up in my everyday life. I also really like the community and how small the major is.

Any interesting projects/research you are working on now that you’d like to share?

I actually do research outside of the realm of MSE, but I feel that my background is still useful. I am currently working in Professor Keaveny’s bone mechanics lab on creating a Monte-Carlo simulation to give some insight on the effects of an osteperotic drug on bone mechanics and fracture risk reduction. I am also working with a group at the Army Research Lab in Maryland to analyze the viability of acoustic emission as a non-invasive way to detect failure in engine fuel pumps.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

When I am not studying / doing research / working / leading my clubs, I like working out and getting a good sweat. Because of the gyms closing back in March, I grew a love for running and hiking. I adopted a dog recently and she has been my run/hiking buddy. I also really like keeping up with the news and I do so by listening to “The Daily” and “The NPR Politics Podcast”.

What are your future plans? 

As for many college students, my post-graduation plans have changed a lot in the past few months. I am planning on looking for jobs after I graduate, either in the medical or defense industry. After a few years, I hope to go back to grad school and hopefully be the first in my family to get a PhD.