Brady '25

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Orange Trivia: Spent the summer working as a mechanical engineering intern at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and is one of two ECS Class Marshals.

“Being Orange is a commitment to something larger than yourself— to do what is right, to be kind and to rise above.”

Describe your Syracuse experience.

My Syracuse experience has been one of the most challenging and fun rollercoasters. Whether difficult course loads, outside extenuating circumstances or mental challenges, I have had periods of immense struggle, however each time I have come out stronger and more determined and that is due to the incredible support I have at Syracuse. I have been able to positively impact the local community, influence current and future students and achieve great academic and personal success through engagement and hard work. My Syracuse experience comes with many challenges but great reward for taking initiative to get involved and take advantage of many of the incredible opportunities the university offers.

How is ECS preparing you for your future career?

The College of Engineering and Computer Science has helped prepare me for my future career in various ways. The first is through the technical knowledge I have acquired through classes, specifically my computer-aided design class, computational tools (MATLAB) class, and my nuclear engineering course. More broadly, ECS has helped me learn how to critically think and problem solve. As an engineer, you will not always be presented with an obvious answer or method to go about a problem. Engineers must use the technical knowledge they know to develop a problem-solving method that can satisfy laid out requirements.

How has your involvement with any organizations/extracurriculars impacted you?

The most impactful organization I have been a part of while at Syracuse University has been the Shaw Center where I have participated in the Engineering Ambassadors and STEM Explorers program as a volunteer, site coordinator and leadership intern. This reciprocal learning experience works to encourage literacy and STEM interest amongst local middle school students while enriching my own college experience by sharing my love of STEM with the next generation of potential engineers. My favorite experience working with students was when I worked with a set of twins which reminded me of the dynamic my twin brother and I had when we were their age. The impact the Shaw Center and specifically Pamela Heintz has had on me will last long beyond my four years at Syracuse University. Additionally, both my communication and teamwork skills have become refined while also putting into practice the organizational and professional skills needed in a future industry setting. I hope that my impact and positive presentation of STEM topics will excite and encourage the next generation of engineers.

Why do you think giving is important? 

Giving is vital because it is an expression of generosity of oneself towards another. Giving is also important because it is done on one’s own volition and carries meaning with the one giving. In my own experience, giving is an act of love and appreciation towards someone. It is a statement of endorsement and encouragement for someone or something. When I work with the local Syracuse City School District students during the semester, I am giving my time, but not because I want to feel good about myself. I have an appreciation for the learning potential of these students and want to share my love of STEM with them. I want to see these students get excited about learning and seek to continue into higher education because I would like them to have the same opportunity to experience things such as study abroad and the positive growth that comes with being a college student. Giving is also important to me as it is a sign that you have reflected on your own experiences and have understood how much people have given for you to get to where you are. In my life, I’ve had my family, friends and various mentors giving me their encouragement and support, especially when facing difficult times. As I get older, I attribute many of my successes to this act of giving by others towards my growth. In a way, giving is a way to pay it forward to promote the success of your peers and others you come across.

What does it mean to you to be Orange?

Being Orange encompasses a number of values and characteristics. For me, being Orange means being involved, not only in the classroom, but on campus in the form of clubs, organizations and campus events. One of the main reasons I chose Syracuse University was due to the collaborative environment fostered here. Being Orange also means being helpful and stepping up when you see a friend or stranger in need. Being Orange is a commitment to something larger than yourself— to do what is right, to be kind and to rise above.

Anything else you would like to share?

This past April, I was selected as one of the two College of Engineering and Computer Science Class Marshals. I applied to be a marshal because I wanted to make my grandfather proud and show him that the effort and care he put into forming me into the man I am today paid off. However, shortly before finding out I became marshal he passed away unexpectedly which shocked my world. He has had a tremendous impact on my life and has been one of the highest contributors towards my success and academic growth. While reconciling with his loss, I have reflected on the time we did spend together and have come to realize in a bittersweet way the true power of giving. Giving comes in many forms, not all of which are obvious. Much of his giving came in the form of life lessons, values and a blueprint in which to live a life as an honest, dependable and family-oriented man who is not afraid to tackle problems head on, and who is committed to the success of his family and peers. When I walk the stage next May and have the chance to speak at Commencement, I know he will be watching proudly knowing that I strive to integrate these lessons and values into my everyday life.

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