Sam Bullard, a senior on Florida Tech's women's swimming team, is making strides in her aerospace engineering career through a summer internship at Leonardo DRS. As a Quality Engineering Intern, she is gaining invaluable hands-on experience in defense technologies, particularly focused on infrared systems. Bullard's internship involves conducting experiments for lightweight infrared scanning mirrors, showcasing her problem-solving abilities in a professional environment. Her background as a scholar-athlete has equipped her with essential teamwork and communication skills, crucial for her collaborative role among engineers.

By the Numbers
  • Major: Aerospace Engineering
  • Internship Title: Quality Engineering Intern
Yes, But

While Bullard highlights the benefits of being a scholar-athlete, the balance between athletics and academics can still be overwhelming for many students. Not everyone may find such support from professors and coaches, leading to disparities in experiences.

State of Play
  • Bullard is currently engaged in an impactful project related to improving thermal imaging systems.
  • Her internship is providing direct application of her classroom knowledge in an industry setting.
What's Next

Following her internship, Bullard is poised to transition into a full-time engineering role upon graduation, applying her enriched skill set in the aerospace field and potentially contributing to advancements in defense technologies.

Bottom Line

Balancing scholarly pursuits with athletic commitments can uniquely prepare students for future careers, but access to mentorship and resources remains critical for success. Bullard's experience exemplifies the value of practical internships in shaping professional trajectories.