Corey Conzett

Aerospace Engineering (BS) – Class of 2024

Q&A SPOTLIGHT

Q:Are there any achievements, projects, or research that you are proud of?

A: I am honored to be a research assistant at the Florida Applied Research in Engineering (FLARE) lab under Dr. Ryan Gosse. My project involves evaluating scramjet inlet modeling through detailed three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations where I design, develop, and implement complex calculations and programming in support of the mission goal.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

A: My family inspires me to achieve my goals and fuels my yearning for knowledge. My uncle is also an aerospace engineer, and he often told fascinating stories of how he used engineering to solve complex real-world problems in his work. He inspires me to become a great engineer like him, too.

Q: What is your favorite thing about engineering?

A: My favorite thing about engineering is how you can use experimentation to learn. Instead of getting lost in mathematical equations or physics theories thinking about what could happen, in engineering, you can use those tools to experiment with the real world and interact with it hands-on.

Q: What drew you in to the field of engineering?

A: Growing up, I was fascinated by the world around me. I loved learning new things through science and finding out why things are the way they are. One of my favorite TV shows was MythBusters. Their creative uses of engineering to test scientific hypotheses is what drew me to be curious about engineering

Q: What are your goals in this field?

A: My goal in the field of engineering is to solve complex problems that affect everyday people. Being able to see a problem within my community, design a creative solution using my knowledge, and implement that solution to improve the lives of others is what inspires me to be an engineer.

Q: What legacy will you provide to future generations of Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American engineers?

A:I hope to inspire future generations of Asian, Pacific Islander, or Desi American engineers by showing them that anyone can be an engineer, and to not be discouraged by challenges they may encounter in their lives. I hope they see me as a role model and think, “I want to be like him, too.”

Siddhant Jagdev

Aerospace Engineering (MS) – Class of 2025

Quote: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” -Albert Einstein

Q: Who inspires you and why?

A: Yuri A. Gagarin, the first man in space and to orbit the Earth, “Columbus of Cosmos” as proclaimed by the Soviets. Through all his hardships since childhood he managed to achieve what he always dreamt of. He did not lose hope but went on to do what he felt was right for him and achieved his goal. He dared to dream and was brave enough to pursue it.

Q: What is your favorite thing about engineering?

A: Engineering is a field that taught me critical thinking, willpower, patience, and empathy. It provided me with the opportunity and tools to help others and that I think is what makes engineering special to me.

Q: What drew you in to the field of engineering?

A: Discovery science (YES! the channel…) and watching documentaries about the cosmos and astronauts is what drew me towards engineering and the opportunity and tools it provided me with, to help others is what made me stay with it

Q: What are your goals in this field?

A: To contribute meaningfully to the development of space exploration and development of human civilization.

Q: What legacy will you provide to future generations of Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American engineers?

A:I want to inspire the future generations to be brave enough to pursue their dreams and put in every ounce of their being into making the world a better place for the present as well as future. I am driven by curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact; I want to continue pushing boundaries and contributing to the advancements in aerospace engineering and beyond