WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL?
University of Maryland College Park

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO ENGINEERING?
I’ve always had a natural affinity for math and found genuine enjoyment in high school physics. That combination, along with a pragmatic nature, made engineering seem like the right way to go. Through a process of exploration during college, I discovered a passion for the problem-solving involved in structural systems and how it feels down-to-earth, both literally and figuratively.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN KNOXVILLE? WHY? 
In my brief experience with Knoxville, I really enjoyed the World’s Fair Park and the surrounding area. It is peaceful and has great scenery.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE?
It’s hard to pick a favorite because I enjoy different types, but some movies that top the list are Interstellar, Spider-Man No Way Home, and Napoleon Dynamite – unapologetically. Some of my favorite books are Dune, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and the Licanius Trilogy.

IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ANY ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Jack Wyrtzen, the founder of Word of Life in upstate New York. His faith and obedience to God’s calling on his life is what helped me get to where I am today.

WHAT’S ON YOUR “BUCKET LIST?”
Help bring water to people who have no clean source, own a castle, and go back to Japan!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I’m a bit of a nerd at heart – I love Japanese culture (anime, art, samurai history, the language), video games, and cool technology. I also enjoy reading fantasy books, going on camping trips, and working with my hands to fix or build things. I enjoy figuring out how things work and get a lot of satisfaction from learning how to do them myself.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am passionate about my faith, my family, and financial stewardship. I believe the Lord has given me a calling to be a blessing to others and to use my gifts to support those around me.

IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It’s a dead tie between Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich with no pickles, add lettuce or Panda Express orange chicken with fried rice.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Steadfast, authentic, generous