Major: Electrical Engineering

Class: 2007

Hometown: Clarksville, Tenn.

Major at MSOE: Electrical Engineering

Rank: 2nd Lt, USAF

Stationed: Naval Air Station Whiting Field, near Pensacola, Fla.

Type of plane you fly: T-34C Turbomentor

Time in service: 10 months

Favorite personality trait: easy going

Favorite food: Chipotle, as any good MSOE student would say

Favorite band\type of music: Metallica/ classic rock

Favorite store\place to shop: Wal-mart

Favorite TV show: Scrubs, Man vs. Wild, History or Discovery channels

Family pet: dog, Otto; cat, Kitty

 

How did engineering/MSOE prepare you for their current role?

Throughout ground school as well as primary pilot training, we are taught aerodynamics, navigation, aircraft systems, etc. MSOE helped me hone my math and science skills, and the program had lots of hands-on learning, so I consider myself in a better situation than non-technical degree student pilots. Juggling my academics, sports, ROTC and social life while at MSOE made the transition to the busy pilot training lifestyle a lot easier.

 

What made you choose MSOE?

My father and older brother went to MSOE, and I like math and science, so where to attend college was a no-brainer for me. It's in the Bourke blood.

 

What was your favorite aspect of MSOE?

I like the fact that MSOE students have small class sizes and individual attention, yet are still in a big city environment with tons to do when not studying. Marquette and UWM are right around the corner too, so there are a lot of college aged people (girls) nearby.

 

Did you have a favorite professor? Why?

Dr. Korn. His physics classes were very interesting to me, and he made the classroom fun and very informative. Things like black holes and the space-time continuum really interest me. I know: I'm a nerd.

 

Do you think MSOE offers something that other schools do not?

Yes. MSOE's reputation precedes it. I have met other pilot selects who have heard great things about it and aren't even from Wisconsin. They figured I was the smartest guy they've ever met. (Probably not true!) The small class sizes and many labs were very helpful for learning the material. Rick Gagliano and Nick Seidler do a great job with the student activities, so there's always a lot happening on campus for everyone. Also, the sending packages to troops overseas was a fantastic idea, and I would highly recommend more students help out with that. I've done it. It's fun, and it gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

 

MSOE costs more than other schools ... Was it worth it?

Yes, you get so much more than schools that don't specialize in engineering. The extensive faculty experience and open door policy really made a difference for me. Also, Wisconsin employers know that MSOE grads are cream of the crop - just check out the senior design show at the end of the year! Also, the financial aid department really helped me out and made it easier to pay the bills.

 

Advice/anything you would want to say to our current MSOE population?

Don't worry, all the hard work now will pay off, and don't let a few bad grades discourage you! If you want to fly, the best way to do it - in my opinion - is through the various services: Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard. Research what each has to offer and follow the dream!

 

How do you spend your time when not in the air?

Study and prepare for the next flight, sports, swim, hang out at the beach, run, play guitar, chat with the girlfriend, maybe a little guitar hero.

 

Why did you decide to become a pilot?

Well, I came to MSOE to do electrical engineering, but then got involved in Air Force ROTC to help pay for school and also because I wanted to serve my country. After speaking with my peers, visiting different bases, and seeing the multitude of planes that the Air Force utilizes, I realized that I wanted to get right into the action and be part of the operations side of the Air Force. Luckily, I snagged a pilot slot and here I am. Flying is such a blast! I've owned a Honda CBR 600 sport motorcycle, and that has nothing on the T-34. Can it do loops and barrel rolls?

 

Any goals for the near future?

Well, once I'm done with primary pilot training, I would like to take the fighter track and fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Yanking and banking, pulling eight g's sounds good to me!