My name is Andrew Pertz, I am an aerospace engineering student with a minor in applied mathematics. In a lot of ways, I feel like Kent State found me. As a first-generation college student, the process of applying and finding schools was very overwhelming.
I also knew that I wouldn’t be able to afford college, so I was also stressed about applying for scholarships.
During my college search, I was looking for schools that offered my major of interest: aerospace engineering. Oddly enough, that leaves only a handful of schools within Ohio and bordering states. Kent State had a blossoming engineering program that I didn’t find anywhere else.
When I visited Kent before applying, I remember absolutely falling in love with the campus and culture.
KSU was the only institution that offered me full-need financial aid, which was very important to me. I chose Kent State because of its affordability and bourgeoning aerospace engineering program. Little did I realize how far Kent State would take me.
I really appreciated the smaller classes in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering — especially for a challenging field such as engineering because you develop an extreme sense of community with your peers and professors. That close relationship that you build with professors is what leads to incredible opportunities.
One day after my first-semester Introduction to Engineering class, I asked my professor about research opportunities. I heard about some students being recruited for different projects, and I started having some interest in research related to space. I was referred to Dr. Lu of the Space Systems Laboratory (SSL).
This is where my journey at Kent really took off.
I sent an email to Dr. Lu with little hope of getting anywhere – after all, I was just a first-semester college freshman with no experience. However, I was proven wrong. In the lab, I was greeted with open arms. Dr. Lu took me on as one of his students and taught me about the research he was performing.
Eventually, I started working on one of his topics related to an orbital maneuver called aerocapture. As someone who hadn’t taken orbital mechanics, Lu did not seem to mind teaching me what I needed to know.
He respected my eagerness to learn and be involved.
One day, during my weekly meeting for SSL, Dr. Lu encouraged me to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). This is a program for undergraduates to be paid to participate in research during the summer, much like an internship. This is a great way to gain experience in your field when you don’t have much work experience. During this same meeting, I was told that I would present my findings at a conference in Marseille, France.
During SURE, I aided in researching an innovative concept for planetary exploration called aerocapture co-delivery to the planet Venus. This was a very interesting time of my college career because I began to work indirectly with engineers and scientists at NASA. Later in the summer, I received notice that I would be presenting at the conference and received funding to attend. I was elated!
Aside from my research endeavors, I also participate in the many clubs at my college including our famous high-power rocket team! Last year I worked on the propulsion subsection where I learned a lot about concepts that don’t get covered in the classroom. This year I am working in the avionics section where I am getting great hands-on experience with building electronics.
Up to the present day, I am starting a CubeSat laboratory with a NASA scientist I worked with during my previous research. I know for sure that no other institution would let a sophomore undergraduate and a few of his buddies start a lab to fly CubeSats in space—yet Kent State does.
Throughout my journey, they have always provided opportunities to help me succeed.
To the current high school seniors out there, be daring. Don’t ever sell yourself short of what you can achieve in life. Here at Kent State, you’ll only find people who want to support you as best they can so that you may achieve greatness in life.