As I wrap up my Spring semester at Purdue University, I’ve been reflecting on one of the most valuable opportunities I had this year: working with Purdue’s ASME Aero Autonomous Drones team. This experience broadened my perspective on engineering and exposed me to areas I hadn’t yet encountered in my coursework or internships experiences, particularly electrical wiring and soldering.
On the team, I took a leading role in developing the drone’s electronic components. This meant not only researching and selecting the right parts but also implementing and testing them to ensure functionality. To support collaboration, I used KiCAD to design electronic schematics, making the layout clear and accessible for teammates and future contributors. I also gained hands-on experience soldering components, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the precision and patience required in hardware design.
Beyond technical skills, this project enriched my education by strengthening my leadership and design abilities. It was a chance to get involved on campus, contribute to an exciting project, and grow as both an engineer and a teammate. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to carry these skills forward into future challenges and applications.