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Meet 3 New AFIT Graduate Students

Posted Wednesday, November 15, 2017

 


2d Lieutenant Brooke Johnson

2d Lieutenant Brooke Johnson is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, and a new student at AFIT.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a minor in math and French.  She will be working towards a master’s degree in electrical engineering at AFIT as her first AF assignment.

When asked about what led to her coming to AFIT, she gave credit to her fellow cadets at AFROTC Detachment 290. One of her classmates convinced her and another friend to take the GRE and apply to AFIT.  Johnson, along with another Lieutenant from her detachment, were selected to attend AFIT.

Johnson also claims her older brother, 1st Lieutenant Johnson, and her father, Lt Col Johnson (Ret), as her inspiration. “They’re good people with strong moral compasses, and they’ve provided me with a strong work ethic and solid direction in life.”

So far, Lt Johnson says she has found it easy to find like-minded and similarly driven colleagues at AFIT. “AFIT, being a military institute full of Air Force tradition, contributes to the gravity of our work and unites the student population to a noble cause. That doesn’t happen at public universities.”

After graduation, Johnson hopes to continue developing her leadership and technical skills, and is crossing her fingers for an overseas assignment.

 

 
2d Lieutenant Ryan Saunders

2d Lieutenant Ryan Saunders hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and is a recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University. Commissioned from AFROTC Detachment 630, Lt Saunders will be pursuing a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering at AFIT, using his mechanical and aerospace engineering skills as his technical foundation. 

Saunders took the GRE six days after receiving notification of the opportunity to attend AFIT.  “I quickly submitted my application because I thought it was a fantastic opportunity. Luckily I was chosen to come and I am excited for the amazing adventure to come.”

Saunders states that what excites him the most about AFIT is the opportunity it provides to combine military excellence with academic achievement.  “The ability to learn in an environment wholly focused around the Air Force and its military values is a unique and humbling experience. I look forward to the challenge!”

Reflecting on what inspired him on his choice to pursue a military career, Lt Saunders remembers a previous mentor, Captain Phillip Bergeron of Det 630.  “Captain Bergeron taught me about the importance of introspection and leadership development, of both myself and of the individuals that I will lead. He has been one of the most influential members of my life as I’ve grown and matured in my early career.”

After graduation from AFIT, Lt Saunders says his goal is to apply his new knowledge in a test environment, but is open and excited to perform any mission with which the Air Force tasks him.

 


2d Lieutenant Kyra Schmidt

2d Lieutenant Kyra Schmidt is a recent graduate from the Air Force Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in Russian.  Originally from Chicago, Lt Schmidt was selected to come to AFIT for an advanced degree in the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department where she plans to study structural dynamics.

Lt Schmidt knew that she always wanted to serve her country, and she knew that she always wanted to pursue higher education in the engineering field.  AFIT was the perfect answer, a combination of military excellence and quality academic pursuit. 

Family has always been important to Lt Schmidt.  Her older sister Iony Schmidt is her inspiration.  “Growing up, my sister has always been there for me.”  Iony is working towards an advanced degree in psychology at The Ohio State University.  In her free time, Lt Schmidt enjoys reading and her favorite book is Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. 

After graduation from AFIT, Lt Schmidt hopes to serve overseas on a battle damage repair deployment and eventually return to the Academy as an instructor. “I feel like bottom line in my life, I want to help others be happy. If I can do that by both serving in the military to defend our values as well as researching ways to promote better standards of life, I will have done well.”
 

 

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