Drones and other unmanned systems will pave the way forward for humanity, and I plan to work on advancing this industry as part of my career. I have always had an interest in robotics and drones, especially when this technology is used for science and exploration. In fact, the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter on Mars is what really inspired me to pursue a career in the aerospace and drone industries. A small helicopter on Mars may not be the most common example of a drone, but I believe it is still very important and, in a way, it embodies what I want to do with my career. The purpose for this spacecraft was purely to carry out scientific missions. It is not giving one country an advantage over another, and it is not turning a profit for any stakeholder. But it allows us to learn, and I believe that is so much more valuable. Drones continue to prove themselves indispensable in many industries. Over the last few years, I have worked with Corteva Agriscience, a crop and seed genetics company, and I have seen first-hand how drones are being utilized in agriculture. They have been used to quickly measure plant height and health over a large area, providing valuable insights to a company aimed at creating better crop hybrids. Drones are also being used to apply herbicides and pesticides, showing that agriculture is at the forefront of many new technologies. Growing up on a farm in southwest Minnesota, agriculture is often at the center of my life, and seeing constant innovation also inspired me to push scientific and technological boundaries. However, space exploration continues to be the main reason behind my interest in uncrewed systems. I always strive to learn more, and space and spacecraft have been no exception. I often find myself spending hours researching new technologies or discoveries that could deepen our understanding of the universe. The largest enabler of these findings has been autonomous aerospace devices, such as the Mars helicopter and landers. These require rockets to launch, and while not exactly drones, all of these systems utilize much of the same technology found in drones, especially with power and control systems. Furthering this technology can further our understanding of the universe, and I want to play a part in that process by designing the next spacecraft. Humanity’s thirst for knowledge has nearly no end, but my goal is to bring us closer. This scholarship will allow me to focus more fully on my academics while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Unmanned Aerial Systems. Thank you for providing myself and others with this scholarship opportunity and thank you for taking the time to consider my application.