NASA Glenn Academy 2006

NASA Academy 2006
Glenn Research Center
2006 GRC Academy Home

William A. Minton

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science, May 2007

NASA Academy Research Project

Photomechanical Polymers
NASA Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael Meador

Education

I attended the public schools of Aurora for my entire pre-college education. I credit the excellent staff there for nurturing my interest in science and math. In searching for a college, I sought out the largest challenge I could find. This led me to chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon, where I will be a senior in the fall.

Experience

In my previous summer internship experience, I was a laboratory technician at the Advanced Fuel Technology Center. There, I helped to develop an analytical procedure to investigate the H2 kinetics of a metal hydride used as a catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel.

At CMU, I participated in the building and optimization of a water bottle rocket. I worked with a team to design the rocket and describe the mechanics of its flight.

Extra-Curricular Activities

I am a proud member of the Theta Xi Fraternity, an organization I joined in my freshman year and have been very involved in. I have held various positions including Rush Chair and Risk Manager. I also volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

I love music and playing the drums. I have performed with all types of groups; from orchestral to jazz ensembles, marching to garage bands. While my organized sporting career ended in high school, I still play soccer and baseball recreationally.