My name is Devin Kodsi, and I will be serving as the Education & Diversity Intern this summer at APS. I am a rising senior at the University of Alabama studying Aerospace Engineering and Physics with a minor in Social Innovation & Leadership. I am from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, where my love for physics originated during my time in the International Baccalaureate physics curriculum. I have ensured the development of this passion through my undergraduate studies and research, and I plan to continue my educational endeavors by pursuing a master’s degree in both Business Administration and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Alabama.

As an undergraduate, I have had the opportunity to take part in a variety of organizations to broaden my own experiences. I have continued my marching band-related interests through my membership in the Million Dollar Band over the past 3 years and have served as an ambassador for the university’s Honors College and STEM and CREATE Path to the MBA program. To ensure that students feel both safe and welcome on campus, I have also worked as a Residential Advisor since my sophomore year. My physics research entails working with graduate students in the realm of galaxy mergers, specifically observing the effects on the star formation of post-merger systems. And my real-world engineering knowledge has drastically developed through the past two summers working at AdTech Ceramics in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I worked to contribute toward and improve the company’s manufacturing process.

Some of my most pivotal experiences at the University of Alabama involve the University Fellows Experience and the Blackburn Institute. Both have allowed me to engage with the surrounding community of Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama, shaping my perspective into one marked by the importance of inclusivity and a diversity of thought. Furthermore, my growth as a servant leader and agent of change can be significantly contributed to my membership in both organizations. As an SPS intern, I plan to utilize and continue expanding upon this blend of knowledge and experiences over the course of the summer, and I am excited to contribute toward the mission of the program!