Casebook
Caitlin Carrigan
HometownDeptford, N.J.
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Major/Department
Mechanical Engineering
Minor/Department
Political Science
Experience-based Learning Opportunity
Two co-ops at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston
Actively Involved
I
am involved in the Student Turning Point Society and have been on the
executive board for two years. I am also actively involved in my
sorority and Undergraduate Student Government, where I served as an
elected representative for two years. I have also held student jobs
which have taught me the importance of a balanced schedule and how to
challenge myself and keep myself involved. There is so much do on
campus that not getting involved is the hard part!
Lifelong Dream
I
co-oped with NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, which was
the realization of a lifelong dream. It was absolutely the best thing I
could have done in my college career, since I was able to use my degree
in a really positive and challenging manner. I saw how exciting
engineering could be and how much I loved being an engineer for such a
positive mission like human space flight.
Intimate University
I
chose to attend Case for the academics, the scholarships and most
importantly, for their connections with NASA, which was my dream since
I was eight years old. I also came from a small high school, and I
wanted a more intimate university where my professors would know my
name and not just see me as one face in the midst of thousands. I would
say the most important factor, however, was that when I came to visit
Case, I got a feeling that this was the place to me and following
that feeling was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Friends and Memories
It's
hard to point to one favorite experience. I would say most importantly,
I like the friends and the memories that I have made here. I have been
very involved throughout my academic career and, consequently, I have
really grown as a person. What I like about Case is what it offered
me—and how rich my life has become as a result of that.
Go On
I
love the football games, the tailgates, the Homecoming Weekend festivities, the sporting events, the dances, the ceremonies, the
sorority functions. I could go on.
Sounding Board
The
professors in the mechanical engineering department are great and are
really involved in each student's education. They know me by name and,
more importantly, what I want to do and where I want to go. My adviser
has become a great friend and an excellent sounding board. (I have even
babysat her children!)
Full-time Job
I
plan to go to Italy and spend some time in Europe, which I have never
done before. I am also going to spend some time at home with family
since I have spent my last two summers working in Houston on co-op. The
relaxation will be nice! At the end of the summer, I will start a
full-time job as a technology design engineer for NASA and hopefully
start working part-time on my master's in engineering.