Our Junior Team

Competing in the 2022-2023 NSLI

Matt Caulfield

Engineering Major
Physics, Robotics, and Honors Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Matt is interested in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. After graduating he is planning on beginning work with a company in an engineering field of interest and planning to pursue a master's degree. Outside of class Matt is a Physics TA, Member of the DND Club, and Madison Engineering Leadership Development Team. For this project he is looking forward to working hands on, on the structural aspects of the rocket, as well as coding and learning more about the Physics and Fluids Principles involved. A couple fun facts about Matt are that he lived in Germany for four years, sung the National Anthem at the DC All-Stars Game, and loves playing in the Marching Band!

Tyler Emory

Engineering Major
Mathematics Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Tyler is interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. After graduating from JMU, Tyler plans on working in the aerospace industry focusing on space exploration. Through the completion of the 2023 NASA Student Launch, Tyler wants to focus his learning on the propulsion and aerodynamics of the rocket. Outside of engineering, Tyler loves the outdoors and hopes to visit many of the U.S. national parks. Tyler also has a deep passion for music, and he has attended a multitude of concerts spanning multiple genres and sizes.

Patrick Foreman

Engineering and Mathematics Major
Graduation year: 2023
Patrick is interested in Aerospace and Electrical engineering. After graduation, he plans on working for an engineering firm in one of his areas of interest. For this project, he is interested in facilitating the team’s safety, and the construction and coding of the payload and avionics. Outside of class Patrick is a teaching assistant for the engineering program, has a certification for teaching snowboarding, and has marched two seasons with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps.

Aakash Girdhar

Engineering Major
Mathematics Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Aakash is interested in Aerospace and Mechanical engineering and hopes to work with a company that values his skills upon graduation. For the project, Aakash is excited to expand his knowledge in CAD modeling and coding in various languages. He hopes to be a dedicated and accountable team member so that he can help the team succeed. Outside of school, Aakash is currently the academics chair for his Fraternity, and loves to stay active and outdoors as much as possible.

Hanim Ibrahim

Engineering Major
Mathematics and Robotics Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Hanim is interested in mechanical engineering, specifically automotive and aerospace engineering. For this project, she is interested in the propulsion and fabrication aspects of the project. After graduation, Hanim plans on pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering before working in industry. Outside of class, Hanim is a research assistant and a teaching assistant in the engineering program and enjoys spending time reading, painting, and traveling.

Grace Klein

Engineering Major
Mathematics Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Grace is interested in Software and Aerospace engineering. After college, she hopes to go into the field of aerospace engineering and help to explore outer space! For the 2023 NASA Student Launch, she is interested in the scientific payload and the avionics system of the rocket. Outside of engineering, Grace likes to drive students home safely on weekend nights through the service organization, SafeRides. She also enjoys leading a Bible study and serving as the Spiritual Formation chair as part of the Catholic Dukes ministry.

Finn Otto

Engineering Major
Mathematics Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Finn Otto is interested in aerospace and mechanical engineering. After graduation he plans on starting his professional career(s) immediately or attend a school to get his master’s in aerospace or Mechanical engineering. Finn hopes to be able to improve on his 3D modeling, manufacturing skills, as well as reach our ultimate team goal of participating in the NASA Student Launch competition. Some fun facts about Finn is that he is from Harrisonburg, VA and that he mentored freshman engineering students at JMU.

Hemant Patel

Engineering Major
Mathematics and Business Minor
Graduation year: 2023
Hemant is interested in civil and aerospace engineering. After graduation he plans to work with a company that relates to aerospace or civil engineering. He is considering doing master’s in aerospace in the future. For this project, he is interested in the coding and fabrication aspect of the project. He hopes to expand his programming skills though this project and simulation data collect from the team. Out of class, Hemant is a teaching assistant with the engineering program and loves to follow the various mission NASA sets out to launch.

Junior Team: Team Members