Major: Mechanical Engineering

Class: 2006

Hometown: Watertown, WI

Major at MSOE:

Rank: 2^nd Lt

Stationed: Columbus AFB, MS

Flies: T-38C Talon

Years in service: 1.5 years
 
Favorite food: Hot Wings/BBQ

Favorite band/type of music: I like all music, but I'm kind of in a bluegrass rut at the moment.

How did engineering/MSOE prepare you for their current role?
I was able to grasp the principles of aerodynamics that we had to learn, since I already had taken an aerodynamic class.  Plus, the engineering background and complex schedule gave me study habits to fall back on that other people did not develop.

What made you choose MSOE?
I wanted to be a pilot but figured that I might as well be an engineer and design planes, if I didn't get a pilot slot.  It also allowed me to be able to go to test pilot school.

Do you think MSOE offers something that other schools do not?
MSOE offered a challenging curriculum that led to a lot of hands on design and learning opportunities.

MSOE costs more than other schools. Was it worth it?
Definitely, the AFROTC scholarship and the academic scholarship really helped.

Most rewarding thing in you done in your life?
Pilot training is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.  Every day I get to "go to work" and enjoy every minute of it, even if it is at 5:00 in the morning.  Not many people can say that about their job.  I'm living out my dreams I had when I was 5 years old and loving every second.