Space to Explore

In a field as vast as aerospace engineering, there is plenty of room for students to explore their passions. Within the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, Catherine Dominic has ventured into a variety of projects and student organizations to help her find which aspect of the industry most appeals to her.

“My professors have encouraged me not to stick with only one interest,” says Catherine. “Being a student is the perfect time to explore, and UT does an amazing job of not letting you pigeonhole yourself.”

A Serious Responsibility

Catherine’s interest in global affairs led her to work on the Syrian Medical Delivery System — a project that explored the feasibility of using drones to deliver medical goods to hospitals in war-torn Syria. It was during this project that she had a personal revelation about the connection between engineering and social impact — an intersection that will help her make a difference in the world.

“It’s our responsibility as engineers to make sure we are not just developing solutions and imposing them on a community or on society,” Catherine explains. “It’s important to explore the impact and likely consequences these solutions might have.”

Catherine, who hails from Sugarland, TX, has been supported in her studies by a Brooke Owens Fellowship, awarded to exceptional undergraduate women and gender-minority students pursuing degrees within aerospace studies. Although she has plenty of time to further explore her field, Catherine is firm about where she wants to land after she graduates.

“I just want my work to have a genuine impact on people,” she says.

Your Generosity Helps Students Change the World

Download our FREE guide, “Scholarships: Open Doors to Opportunity,” to explore the different ways you can fund scholarships at the Cockrell School of Engineering (you don’t even need to write a check). For additional ideas on making a difference, contact the Gift and Estate Planning Team at 512-475-9632 or giftplan@austin.utexas.edu.