Caitlin Carrigan
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Major/Department:
Mechanical Engineering
Minor/Department:
Political Science
Research project or internship/co-op experience:
Two co-ops at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston
Extracurricular interests:
I am involved in the Student Turning Point Society and have been on the executive board for two years. I am also actively involved in my sorority and Undergraduate Student Government, where I served as an elected representative for two years. I have also held student jobs which have taught me the importance of a balanced schedule and how to challenge myself and keep myself involved. There is so much do on campus that not getting involved is the hard part!
Biography:
I co-oped with NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, which was the realization of a lifelong dream. It was absolutely the best thing I could have done in my college career, since I was able to use my degree in a really positive and challenging manner. I saw how exciting engineering could be and how much I loved being an engineer for such a positive mission like human space flight.
Why did you choose to attend Case?:
I chose to attend Case for the academics, the scholarships and most importantly, for their connections with NASA, which was my dream since I was eight years old. I also came from a small high school and I wanted a more intimate university, where my professors would know my name and not just see me as one face in the midst of thousands. I would say the most important factor, however, was that when I came to visit Case, I got a feeling--that this was the place to me, and following that feeling was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What do you like best about Case?:
Its hard to point to one favorite experience. I would say most importantly, I like the friends and the memories that I have made here. I have been very involved throughout my academic career and consequently, I have really grown as a person. What I like about Case is what it offered me--and how rich my life has become as a result of that.
What do you do for fun on the weekends?:
I love the football games, the tailgates, the Homecoming Weekend festivities, the sporting events, the dances, the ceremonies, the sorority functions...I could go on.
Describe the best professor you've had at Case. What made him or her special?:
The professors in the mechanical engineering department are great and are really involved in each student's education. They know me by name, and more importantly, what I want to do and where I want to go. My adviser has become a great friend and an excellent sounding board (I have even babysat her children!).
What do you plan to do after graduation, and how has Case helped you reach that goal?:
I plan to go to Italy and spend some time in Europe, which I have never done before! I am also going to spend some time at home with family, since I have spent my last two summers working in Houston on co-op--the relaxation will be nice! At the end of the summer, I will start a full-time job as a technology design engineer for NASA and hopefully start working part-time on my master's in engineering.
