Published: Jun 1, 2018 10:06:00 AM
Tanner Straker
Tanner Straker, ’18 aerospace engineering, was named the Department of Aerospace Engineering’s outstanding student for 2018. Despite hailing from Illinois and having no family connection to Auburn, Straker took a chance on Auburn and found his passion in aerospace engineering.
“When I was a kid, like many others, I wanted to be an astronaut. I still think space is incredibly cool, but what drew me most to those brave men and women was the fact that they are pioneers. Striking off and exploring something new is such a rare opportunity these days. Originally from a suburb north of Chicago, I hail from a family of zero engineers and zero Auburn graduates. My decision to come to Auburn and study engineering was my own form of pioneering. Since I’ve outgrown the height limits to be an astronaut, my time at Auburn has shown me that studying aerospace engineering is a fine alternative. For me, this award is my moon landing; it shows that my mission has been a success, and that brave pioneers still have a place in this world. My next step is to venture into industry, and eventually get someone other than my parents to pay for more education (thanks Mom and Dad!). If one day I can contribute something new to the world, that would be more than enough.”
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