Describe one particular research and/or intellectual interest that you plan to pursue beyond the 
classroom. Why does that interest you? What steps have you taken to pursue that interest at 
Notre Dame? 
 

Beyond the classroom, I aim to research and design machinery that increases efficiency 
in scientific processes via Mechanical and Biomechanical Engineering. I believe that I can use 
my research and design to serve through problem solving and fostering scientific progress. My 
passion for problem solving and design led me to this interest. I discovered this method of 
applying my interests thanks to my internship last summer. I worked at a small, local laboratory 
on several machines and parts aimed at increasing accessibility and efficiency of scientific 
processes. My biggest project, Pipette Guide, assists labs with manual pipetting. While similar 
products exist, our team aimed to optimize this product by making it cheaper to manufacture 
without diminishing its performance. This would allow the small device to be sold at a much 
lower price, increasing accessibility for labs with smaller budgets. We also created several 
smaller products that increased the efficiency of other scientific processes, such as freeze 
drying. 

I want to optimize scientific processes through research, design, and problem solving so 
that society can advance scientific progress at a greater rate. This will provide more resources 
for smaller labs and reduce procedure times so that we can quickly research, create medicines, 
and further global progress. This is how I can best use my skills and passions to serve. 

At Notre Dame, I am pursuing these interests by participating in the Notre Dame 
Rocketry Team. During my time on the team, I worked on the Apogee Control System. The 
purpose of this system is to aid our rocket in reaching a particular peak height and to monitor 
that height so we can adjust our system accordingly. The ACS provides efficient control of the 
height of our rocket. I also researched motors to add to this system that would provide slight 
adjustments and enough power to our course adjustments. This further optimizes the rocket by 
making it easier for the ACS to control the peak height. Thanks to my experience in design and 
research from NDRT, I am one step closer to my goal of serving others by optimizing scientific 
procedures. 
 
 
What are your goals for post-graduation and how do you think participation in the Sorin 
Scholars can help you achieve those goals? What grants and/or fellowships do you intend to 
pursue while at Notre Dame to help accomplish these goals? 
 

After graduation, I intend to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering. I aspire to gain 
experience with research, design, and problem solving in the work force. My hope is that this 
job can further my education by not only providing me this experience but also by leading to a 
graduate degree. I hope to achieve a master’s degree in Mechanical or Biomechanical 
Engineering or an MBA. I aim to work for a company that will help me pursue this graduate 
degree.  
 Participating in the Sorin Scholars program can help me achieve this in a multitude of 
ways. First, it will provide structure and instruction as I apply for research, career, and 
fellowships. Because I am committed to a research career, undergraduate research experience 



is vital for pursuing careers and higher education. This program will introduce me to such 
opportunities and support and guide me through the application and interview processes. 
Outside of imparting its knowledge of research, careers, and fellowships, Sorin Scholars can also 
connect me with Alumni. They will share knowledge and advice and help me build my network, 
which will benefit my job search. 
 Second, the Sorin Scholars program can also help me participate in post-graduate 
outreach. I wish to use my career knowledge to support girls in STEM. This cause is of great 
importance to me, and the Sorin Scholars can guide me through finding a career or organization 
through which I could do this. This way, I can provide opportunities for girls to learn about and 
interact with my field of research, further fulfilling my aspiration to serve through research and 
design. 
 Thirdly, this program can aid in finding and applying for fellowships and grants so that I 
may continue to engage in research and Engineering. I intend to pursue programs like the 
Goldwater Scholarship Program. I plan to contribute to research in the fields of Mechanical and 
Biomechanical Engineering, and this program would support my educational pursuit towards a 
mechanical research career, allowing me to accomplish such contributions.