
Hobbies and interests
Horseback Riding
Photography and Photo Editing
Reading
Academic
Novels
Realistic Fiction
Science
I read books multiple times per week
Harper King
1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Harper King
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
My name is Harper King, and I am an aerospace engineering student at the University of Michigan. Originally from Alabama, I attended high school in New York, where I quickly found my passion for STEM. Ever since then, my ambitions for engineering have been clear, and I am eager to continue learning and growing as I continue through my educational journey.
Education
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Millbrook School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Engineering, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
Automotive
Dream career goals:
I want to work on motorsport aerodynamics.
Photographer
Personal Employment2022 – Present4 years
Sports
Golf
Junior Varsity2021 – Present5 years
Equestrian
Varsity2017 – Present9 years
Research
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Millbrook School — Researcher2024 – Present
Arts
Millbrook School
PhotographyPersonal Work2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Camp Winnataska — Camp Leader2023 – Present
Chip Miller Memorial Scholarship
WinnerWhen you hear of an aerospace engineer, you probably don't picture a young girl with dreams of working in the automotive industry; however, that's me. I am a 19-year-old female aerospace engineering student at the University of Michigan who just so happens to dream of working in the automotive industry. More specifically, my career goal is to go into high-performance automotive design with a focus on aerodynamics and how it can be used to improve speed, efficiency, and overall vehicle performance. As an aerospace engineering student, I am especially interested in how concepts typically associated with aircraft can be applied to vehicle design. This intersection between aerospace and automotive engineering is what excites me most, and it has shaped both my academic and personal passion for the industry.
What draws me most to the automotive industry is the direct connection between decisions and results. The smallest aerodynamic adjustments can lead to significant improvements in everything from speed and aesthetics to energy and efficiency. The connection between design, engineering, and performance creates a never-ending push for refinement, which is the type of environment I find incredibly motivating, as it goes beyond just designing something that functions, but rather extends to something that exceeds current possibilities.
My passion for the automotive industry has only grown alongside my coursework and experiences. Studying aerospace engineering has introduced me to many topics that are essential to aerodynamic optimization. In addition, working on a Formula SAE team has provided me with hands-on experience in how these concepts are applied in practice. Working on such a team has only strengthened my aspirations to work in the performance-driven setting of the automotive industry.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of the automotive industry has only drawn my interest in it more. Vehicles, especially high-performance ones, are the result of the combined effort of countless engineers, designers, and specialists, all with one goal in mind. I have found that I thrive in this type of environment, where success builds on communication, trust, and ultimately, teamwork. Being part of a team that is constantly aiming to push the boundaries is exactly where I see myself spending the rest of my life.
Beyond the technical side, my passion for the automotive world comes from a thorough appreciation for cars that I have built over the years. I have always been intrigued by the way that every car seems to have a story, whether it be through the simplicity of classic cars or cutting-edge technology found in current performance vehicles. I find it amazing how each era of the automotive industry approaches style, performance, and function differently, yet in the end, they all contribute to the same culture that brings automotive enthusiasts together. This appreciation has not only shaped my interest in engineering but also my connection to the automotive industry and its community as a whole.
Chip Miller's legacy is an important reminder that the automotive world is not just about the cars but about the passion and community that come with them. His contributions brought people together through a shared love for cars, which, in the end, is the base of the industry. My goal doesn't end at wanting to build a career in the automotive industry, but to contribute to the culture and innovation of the automotive world.