Laura
Year: Senior
Major: Professional Pilot and Natural Resources and Environmental Science
College: Aviation (AVI) and Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Science (ACES)
Activities
- Women in Aviation, President – organization that informs students and the community about the aviation industry, promotes women in aviation oriented fields, promotes aviation in the community, and encourages young men and women to seek careers in aviation
- Wildlife Society – international, nonprofit organization of wildlife professionals and students dedicated to excellence in wildlife protection through science and education
- Aviation Career Night Committee – committee that organizes the annual aviation career night
- Alpha Eta Rho Honors Society – professional aviation fraternity
One-on-One
Where is your favorite spot on campus to study?
Institute of Aviation computer lab
Where is your favorite spot on campus to hang out with your friends?
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Where is your favorite spot on campus to relax?
Illini Union, South Lounge
What do you like most about your major?
Flying! I take a plane up at least three days a week and fly over everyone else down on campus. What more could you ask for? It is such a rush!
What are your favorite courses within your major?
Aviation 101 is my favorite class in aviation because it involves your first flight. I am now an Aviation 101 instructor. I love the first day of class and taking new students out for their first flight, getting in the airplane, and just taking off.
What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?
Women in Aviation-it rocks! We get to watch movies, hang out, eat dinner, give presentations to kids from the local community, and talk about flying!
What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?
I really enjoy the Wildlife Society. I got involved in this group because I wanted to go out and volunteer in the community to help the environment.
Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
My most memorable experience involved a six-hour solo flight in the middle of the winter in the clouds. It was thrilling! I was by myself, in control, doing what I love.
What’s a little-known fact about Illinois?
Illinois has a sense of community and pride that you can't find anywhere else!
Why do you belong at Illinois?
I know I belong at Illinois because it feels like home. I love this University. I want to stay and build my career here. It's the place for me.