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Name: Jawanza Bassue

Hometown:
Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis (Caribbean)

Currently Lives in:
Norman, OK

Education:

• B.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Oklahoma
• M.S. Candidate 2017 Aerospace Engineering, University of Oklahoma

Employer:
Bergey Aerospace Student/Intern – University of Oklahoma

Job Description:
Design engineer for Bergey WindPower & Bergey Aerospace engineering solutions to green-energy challenges and spearheading the design of a High Altitude Record/Research Aircraft with Piper Cherokee designer Karl Bergey.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
One word: Pilot! I’ve always been fascinated with airplanes, as many of my AIAA colleagues were. Somewhere along the line I fell in love with science and art and used that to drive me toward aerospace engineering.

How far can YOU see? Where do you see the aerospace industry 10–20 years from now?
I hope to see a powerful resurgence in the general aviation industry as I continue to learn about the past and plan for the future. Having a mentor like Karl Bergey allows me to fully understand where aviation has come (proverbial ups and downs) over the past 50+ years. Ten years from now it would be amazing to see improvements in the range and feasibility of electric aircraft, improved integration of unmanned systems in airspace and the excitement of flight and space travel put back in the American people (begins with improvements in education and community involvement).

One insightful fact you want everyone to know:
Everyone’s reality is different – what’s normal for you might be completely unusual to someone else.

Professional Interests:
Aerodynamics, engineering design & analysis, systems engineering and customer relations. Currently preparing my resume for gainful employment at my top choice companies (including Gulfstream, Boeing, Cirrus, Piper, Icon…).

Hobbies:
Playing music, photography, automotive & aviation clubs.