Sydney Free

Who am I?

I am a rising junior in mechanical engineering at Purdue University. My fascination for engineering stems from a love of building things with her hands and watching them come to life. My interests in engineering include electronics, sustainability solutions, and medical devices.

My work in engineering education focuses on making engineering education accessible to displaced communities so they can use their knowledge to solve local problems. I am currently working on the EngStarter project, which involves assembling electronics kits that will be used as educational materials in conjunction with a planned curriculum. After struggling with my identity as a student during my first year of college, I strive to contribute to learning tools that will not only build STEM knowledge but also their learner’s self-confidence and self-reliance.

Research Interests: 

• Improving knowledge of and familiarity with electronics, specifically Arduino and Raspberry Pi

• Using personal student experience to benefit other students

Professional Experience: 

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (prosthetic team in fall 2021, chain reaction team in spring 2022)

Education:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University (expected 2024)

Hobbies: 

• Rock climbing/bouldering

• Guitar