I studied engineering at Smith College, drawn by its engineering program in a small liberal arts setting. Throughout college, I participated in research, gaining hands-on experience in designing, manufacturing, and testing—the core pillars of the engineering design process. This exposure enabled me to see myself as an engineer and apply classroom concepts to real-world problems.Upon graduation, I spent a year working at Boeing Research & Technology as an Aerodynamics Engineer before pursuing a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. At MIT, my research centered on solar-electric aircraft design and optimization to enable a novel class of Earth observation platforms. This work at the intersection of aircraft systems engineering and remote sensing for climate monitoring affords me a unique perspective on sustainability informed by my training as a systems engineer. Also while at MIT, I expanded my teaching and mentorship skills. I served as a teaching assistant across undergraduate courses, from core curriculum to capstone design, and received formal training through MIT’s Teaching and Learning Laboratory (TLL). As a Teaching Development Fellow, I created workshops for graduate student mentors, demonstrating how to foster metacognitive skills in their mentees to support deeper learning.A pivotal experience during my graduate studies was working with Electra.aero, an aerospace startup developing electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. There, I led a team of 14 undergraduates in manufacturing and flight-testing a demonstrator vehicle for a Stratospheric Airborne Climate Observatory System. This experience highlighted the value of work experience for students, providing authentic opportunities to explore technical engineering skills learned in the classroom while building professional skills through an engaging and hands-on project. My time at Electra also illuminated the unique opportunities within startups, ultimately inspiring me to pursue my current role at Greenway.Now, as a founding faculty member at Greenway, I am part of a team redefining engineering education with a focus on sustainability. This role allows me to combine my passion for teaching, mentoring, and systems thinking to equip students with the skills needed to tackle global challenges. I am excited to inspire the next generation of engineers to approach engineering decisions holistically, considering the traditional technical implications alongside the equally significant economic, social, and environmental implications.