About me
I’ve always enjoyed learning about how the world works. As a kid, I spent my free time designing and building things - whether it be legos, elaborate minecraft worlds, or a neighborhood clubhouse for all my friends - I always wanted to find a way to create. So, in high school, I spent endless hours bringing theater productions to life. Some called me a “triple dipper” because I’ve acted, played as a pit musician, and always served as a member of the stage crew. Backstage, as a crew member, and later, as stage manager, I learned that I could merge both arts and science to design and build sets and lighting effects, while staying within budget and finishing on time. South Side’s Drama Guild was not only a place to spark my imagination but also a community where I had a chance to collaborate, take risks, and innovate in a supportive environment.
Arts Affiliations
From a young age, the study of music taught me perseverance and precision. But it also gave me an outlet for personal expression and provided long lasting friendships. I have had the privilege of representing my high school, playing trumpet in numerous honor ensembles including the All-State Wind Ensemble, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Wind Symphony. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing conductors and musicians who have made me a better player through sharing our love of music. To top it all off, I even got the chance to play trumpet and flugelhorn in the pit orchestra of the musical Newsies. For me, this was a full circle moment combining my love for music and theater.I grew up beside my trumpet, and I intend to keep playing for as long as I can. Now, I perform in Purdue's Bands and Orchestra's in the Collegiate Band.
Theatre Engineering
Luckily, I found a program that perfectly merges my passions. Theatre Engineering will allow me to study the intersection of engineering and production design. Theatre Engineering is a unique, ABET accredited engineering major at Purdue University. It explores the multidisciplinary principles of Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical engineering within the entertainment industry. I take part in courses within the College of Engineering and within the Department of Theatre's MFA Technical Direction program. I intend to explore how engineering principles apply in non-traditional settings including theaters, concerts, museums, and even theme parks. I am intrigued with how these multi-sensory environments are strategically designed and crafted. Within this program, I look forward to collaborating with teams of technicians, engineers, crew members and artists to change lives. I want to invent new experiences and environments that engage and enchant, creating environments and experiences for all to enjoy. When brought together, the arts and sciences reflect, teach, and celebrate our humanity. I am truly excited about making my contribution in the future.
Awards, Honors and Leadership
Dean's List & Semester Honors
The Dean’s List and Semester Honor recognizes students that have achieved high scholastic standing cumulatively and/or for the semester. At the conclusion of the semester, I have attained at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA with at least 12 credit hours.
Purdue University College of Engineering, 2025 - Present
Laurel Award
South Side's highest honor. This award is presented to a student at graduation who has demonstrated a profound impact on their school community through leadership, academic excellence, and artistic talent.
South Side High School, 2025
New York State School Music Association All-State Trumpeter
South Side High School, 2025
Selected by NYSSMA to perform in the All-State Wind Ensemble at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. Achieved through a perfect score on a level VI solo performance and teacher reccomendations.
National Honor Society (Vice President)
Organized community service events including fundraisers for Bethany House, Field of Flags, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Initiated the first annual 'Walsh on the Wall' where students could pay to tape our principal to a wall, proceeds to a non-profit.
South Side High School, 2025
Tri-M Music Honor Society (President & Communications Director)
South Side High School, 2022 - 2025
Created and organized performance opportunities for student musicians both inside and outside of school. Conducted fundraisers for graduating seniors. Managed social media account and publicity increasing recognition for high school musicians.
Varsity Quiz Bowl (President)
Organized and coordinated competitions, meetings, tournaments, and fundraising events.
South Side High School, 2022-2025
Caitlin Rose McDonald Memorial Scholarship
Recognized my commitment to music and community service.
South Side High School, 2025
Theory of Knowledge Club (Vice President)
Organized and coordinated club meetings designed to discuss and debate current events, art, and culture.
South Side High School, 2024-2025
Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts (Wind Symphony)
Long Island's premier youth wind ensemble. Performed and studied collegiate-level wind music containing members who performed in all-county and all-state groups.
Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts, 2023-2025
Science Fair Finalist
South Side High School, 2022
Analyzed timing of insulin administration effects on blood glucose regulation in Type 1 Diabetes.
Larry Waxman Art Changes Lives Scholarship
South Side High School, 2025
Awarded for the planned pursuit of arts and theatre in engineering.
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (Principal & Symphonic Orchestra)
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, 2023 -2025
Long Island's premier youth orchestra. Studied and performed collegiate-level symphonic music. Ended up becoming a soloist on the stage of Carnegie Hall, performing Brasil, by Ary Barroso (Arr. John Wasson)
Math, Science, Spanish, and Thespian Honor Societies
South Side High School, 2024-2025