My name is Dylan Peña Pérez, and I am a Junior pursuing my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering through the Viterbi Progressive Degree Program. As a first-generation college student from Mexico, I wasn’t familiar with what to expect when entering USC, especially in such a unique program as Astronautical Engineering. After spending three years in the program, progressing from the fundamentals of engineering to more niche and specific topics relevant to rockets and spacecraft, I started appreciating the program and my decision to choose this major. Throughout my college journey, I’ve had the opportunity to take classes that fuel my passion for astronautics taught by professors who have years of experience in the industry doing hands-on work in their day-to-day lives.
While my major-specific classes have allowed me to understand more about Astronautics, hands-on work has also been significant in my development as an engineer. As a current USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL) member, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the composites and recovery teams to help design, manufacture, launch, and recover the rockets we make in-house. Most recently, I had the opportunity to work on Aftershock II, our most recent space shot that soared past the Karman Line to an altitude of about 470,000 ft, going Mach 5.5, making us the only collegiate club to do so anywhere in the world. Working with RPL has exposed me to the environment of a real laboratory working on tangible rocket science. It has since been one of the best experiences in my college journey.
Outside of academics and extracurricular activities, I’ve strengthened my professional and networking skills through various Viterbi events. As a result of mentorship from classmates and Viterbi staff, I’ve had the opportunity to interview for over five companies with offers from many, including Raytheon and Delta Airlines. I’m forever grateful for all the opportunities the USC ASTE department has offered me, and I humbly appreciate my journey.