It was the reputation of the Viterbi School of Engineering for excellent scholarship and academic rigor that initially attracted me to the program. After visiting the campus, however, it was the warm welcome I received from the faculty and the accessibility and proficiency of the academic counseling staff that cemented Viterbi as my top choice for graduate education. It didn't hurt that the school is in beautiful, sunny LA either!

The most surprising thing about USC has been my experience with the academic counseling staff. Every time I have a question or problem, I've been able to pop into the counseling office unscheduled (where I'm greeted by name!) and get my issue addressed immediately on my first visit. Sam Graves [advisor in the Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering department], you're the best!!

My research focuses on measuring, predicting, and reducing the propagation of sound energy through composite structures. I work with aerospace sandwich panels and membrane metamaterials with an emphasis on reducing low-frequency sound transmission through weight-critical structures.

My biggest influence at USC has been my PhD advisor, Professor Nutt, who has provided me not only with funding support, but also with immeasurable insight on research hurdles and effective strategies for navigating challenging interpersonal situations.

When I'm not in class, you can find me on the water in Santa Monica Bay racing sailboats, but if there isn't enough wind to sail, I enjoy building, flying, crashing, and repairing homemade multirotor drones.

Being able to see a show at the Troubadour on Friday night, going for a hike at Griffith Observatory on Saturday morning followed by sailing in the afternoon, waking up early on Sunday for a day of snowboarding in Big Bear, and being able to make it back in time to be in the lab Monday morning!