AN INSIDE LOOK ON ENGINEERING [AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS]

In this series of posts throughout the semester, we will feature an engineering discipline at Purdue. A current student will briefly discuss what this discipline focuses on, their favorite parts of it, and any projects they have worked on or cool opportunities they have had in this area of focus.

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I am a graduate student at Purdue University in Aeronautics and Astronautics. I focused my studies

Jennifer with NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden

on Astrodynamics and Space Applications, as I am interested in the study of spacecrafts' trajectories in space. What I like about my major, is that it allows me to take part in projects where I can have a global view on mission design. Lately, I have been involved in a project called "Human Journey to Mars" where we try to define possible architectures for a human mission to Mars. 

I am also part of the Space Generation Advisory Council, an association for space enthusiasts, students, and young professionals.  

After graduation, I hope to find job opportunities within space agencies or in space consulting companies. I have already had several internships, and I like to have an overview on engineering projects where you are more than a technical asset to the team, but also manage and take decisions regarding the direction the project should take - I am highly passionate about that! 

Even though the aerospace world seems very small, what is great is that it can lead you to work anywhere! I have worked on an assembly line in France, I was an engineering assistant in Germany, and worked on Sciences and Space Diplomacy in Russia, all while studying here in the USA. The options are endless!  

What's awesome about Purdue are the opportunities you have when you are passionate about your research and field of study. I had the opportunity to talk to amazing space leaders over the past few years, such as Dr. Aldrin or Charles Bolden. You never know what awaits for you. 

-Jennifer Pouplin