In this Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, we are featuring Sam Bullard of Florida Tech women's swimming. This summer, the Ann Arbor, Michigan, native is gaining meaningful experience at an internship in her desired field. We caught up with Bullard to learn more about the incredible opportunity.

What company are you interning for this summer? What is your title and role with the company?
"I am interning with Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of defense technologies, as a Quality Engineering Intern in Electro-Optical & Infrared Systems."

What drew you to this internship? What steps did you have to take to earn your position within the company?
"I was drawn to this internship because of DRS' reputation as an agile defense technology company that delivers advanced products to warfighters and the U.S. Department of Defense."

What are some exciting tasks or projects that you have been able to be a part of?
"The most exciting project I have been able to be a part of is designing and conducting experiments for lightweight infrared scanning mirrors to determine what was causing deterioration on the surface. I was able to conduct independent research to establish a root cause and corrective action, directly improving thermal imaging system manufacturing and reliability."
 
What is your major at Florida Tech? Why did you choose this direction for your education and is this something you always wanted to pursue?
"I am an Aerospace Engineering major at Florida Tech. I chose this because I have always been fascinated by how spacecraft are controlled. I also enjoy math and problem-solving, and I wanted to work on advanced technology in a growing field. So, aerospace engineering seemed like a natural fit for me for as long as I can remember."

How has being a scholar-athlete prepared you for the work you are currently doing in your internship? What skills have you taken from your time as a scholar-athlete that help you in your internship?
"Being a scholar-athlete has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. As an athlete, I have learned how to work with people of many different backgrounds. In my internship, this has really helped me collaborate with other engineers and ask effective questions."

How is your internship preparing you for a career you would like to do after graduation?
"My internship is preparing me for my future career by giving me hands-on experience in a professional engineering environment. I have been able to learn how technical concepts apply in industry while strengthening my problem-solving skills and understanding of quality standards."

What advice would you give another scholar-athlete/prospective scholar-athlete who is looking to pursue a similar path?
"The advice I would give another scholar-athlete is to never be afraid to ask for help. Balancing athletics with a challenging major can be intimidating, especially while also searching for internships and other professional opportunities. Take advantage of the resources and support available to you, because professors and coaches are there to help you succeed."