Max '23, G'24

Major/Minor:
Undergrad: BS Mechanical Engineering, Minor Geography (Spring 2023)
Graduate: MS Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (starting Fall 2023)

Describe your Syracuse experience in a couple of sentences.
My experience at Syracuse has been nothing short of incredible. From the people I have met, to the level that my classes have challenged me, to finally the skills that I have acquired, each day has shown me as an individual how to operate at the highest level. In every niche that you can potentially think of, there is someone at Syracuse who can help you in that area. I have friends who I run with (ran my first marathon in the fall - never expected that as a freshman), friends that I pull all-nighters studying with, and those who have taught me how to run an EMS call, and how to train others. Mentors who taught me when to act, and how to take the high path. Syracuse is home to those who will help you become the person you want to be.

How is Syracuse preparing you for your future career?
My engineering classes have opened my eyes to a new way of thinking that stretches far beyond the classroom. They have given me the knowledge I need to succeed, and where the knowledge was not learned in my short time here, the tools I need to easily obtain it. There is not a professor here who does not passionately care about the content they are teaching. Further, to echo my answer above – the people at SU provide the opportunity to grow as an individual and prepare you to tackle challenges whether it be for tomorrow or ten years down the road.

What are your plans after graduation?
First, grad school at Syracuse for one year. After that, I want to focus on 3^rd world development, either through nonprofit work or using my engineering background to design solutions to devastating problems people face every day (ideally a combination of both routes).

How has your involvement with any organizations/extracurriculars impacted you?
Fall of my first year, I joined Syracuse University Ambulance, my time in the organization since has truly been the defining experience of my college experience. Older members taught me how to drive an ambulance, guided me through EMT class, and then taught me how to run my own EMS calls. The progression process was incredibly rewarding and built up my confidence immensely as a person. However, what had the larger impact on me was stepping into a trainer role, teaching new members the way I had been taught. It is incredible to see someone start out wide-eyed and nervous and transform into a confident leader of their crew. Since joining SUA, I have been on shift for 2,400 cumulative hours, serving as a Field Supervisor for this past year and next.

Have you performed any internships and how has that impacted you?
Through SU I have worked with Professor Bing Dong and his company Wellbuilding Control. It started out as my senior year capstone project designing an occupancy-based/clean environment air vent system. I will be continuing work with him going forward. Before coming to Syracuse, I began work with the nonprofit Panta Pride based in Liberia, West Africa.

What has been your favorite Syracuse experience so far?
My favorite experience has to be SUA - working so many late nights, helping individuals in the community out daily, working basketball and football games, and seeing people I’ve trained be able to help others out in times of need. It is an experience like no other and I would not want to have spent my last four years in any other way.

How has donor generosity impacted your time at Syracuse?
Syracuse Believes in You Fund covered all expenses for my roommate (who’s also in SUA, his name is Mike McDonough) and me to travel to Liberia for the Run Liberia half marathon over this past winter break.

Why do you think giving is important?
To quote SU alumnus Ed Healy, who recently retired after many years working as a firefighter and at the county 911 center, “Go out of your way to assist those who need our help.” There are always going to be those people wherever you go who waste the opportunities in their laps, those people you need to let do their own thing. I want to focus on the other group, “those who need our help.” That is the group that giving, especially at SU, can truly have an impact on. There are so many people at this University who just need that last little push over the edge, or for someone to say, “What if you could?” or “I believe in you, go try!” So many incredible opportunities can come out of that conversation, and for those who are able to give that little extra amount, giving can provide a life-changing experience to someone who otherwise would not have had it.

What does it mean to you to be Orange?
To be Orange to me means to be part of a giant family. One in which everyone will go out of their way to help you in all your endeavors. Being Orange means you will never be on your own again.

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