My intrepid intrigue in science has always been complimented by a sympathy for the human condition. Simply put, engineering is just that: where science creates solutions. This, coupled with a broad interests across the sciences, led me to try to explore everything under the sun which lends itself to creating potential solutions—from building better ways to grow food to synthesizing an improved way to manage trauma wounds. As a result, I’ve already experienced firsthand how unexpected breakthroughs can be made when wildly different pursuits intersect, and I’ve seen how that lends itself to being able to learn from every angle.

For instance, after interning at NASA Langley and working on an algorithm to locate microscopic fractures in a metal component, I returned home to find uses for these new skills in the molecular biology lab. Now, I’m taking that same algorithm and adapting it to digitally reconstruct neurons in mouse brains.

Northwestern’s curriculum reflects my diversity of experience in its total embodiment of interdisciplinary learning in whole-brain engineering and the engineering core. This, coupled with inter-departmental research (have you seen the interactive collaborative research map? - it’s crazy cool!), the ability to double major, minor, and receive certificates across schools, and the new CS+X initiative, means that at Northwestern, there won’t be any limit to the number of ways I can approach my interests.

Throughout my college search, I’ve relived my Northwestern campus tour, recalling most distinctly the way Northwestern students chose to advertise: flyers taped to the ground. (I was saddened to learn that the associated student government is considering prohibiting ground flyering) This is what really drew me to Northwestern: not only do Northwestern’s academic programs envision opportunities for learning from everywhere, so does Northwestern’s heart and soul: its community of students.