My strongest childhood memory is the day my best friend moved away around age 10. We sat huddled in her room among the packed boxes thinking about how we could still see each other even though we would no longer be in the same neighborhood. Inspiration struck and we quickly came to the conclusion that we should use parts from her room to create a helicopter we could use to visit each other. I sketched out a design that I thought would work for the idea. A cardboard box with a pole from her bunk bed in the middle to which we would attach coat hangers covered in cardboard as the rotors. While it is clear now that the idea would have never physically worked, it was one of the first times I remember facing an insurmountable challenge and thinking with enough creativity I could create a solution.
The habit of thinking “what could I make to solve this problem” has only grown as time has gone on, which is what has led me to where I am today, finishing up my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University – Idaho. Throughout my time at school I developed a passion for design work and learned the necessary math, modeling, and critical thinking skills needed to create innovative and well thought out designs. In addition, I have been able to develop strong communication skills through writing technical reports in my classes, acting as the client liaison for my senior capstone project group, and my role as the vice president of media and communications in my local student chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering.
On top of my engineering coursework, I find myself drawn to exploring new creative hobbies and learning new skills. Recently I have been learning to draft sewing patterns. I have found it takes a lot of forethought to change flat fabric into a three-dimensional shape that curves exactly how you planned, especially when you have to factor in things like the way fabric will or won’t stretch. Taking on these diverse projects expanded my design thought process allowing me to create in new and innovative ways.
In summary, if you are looking for someone with creative ideas and a life-long passion for design, feel free to reach out and connect.
