Scholar Stories: Hartman Aims to Give Back to Country Through Aerospace Engineering Studies
2/28/2024 11:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse, Features
Continuing the series that began in 2016-17, each Wednesday MGoBlue.com will highlight a Michigan student-athlete and their academic pursuits. These are our Scholar-Athlete Stories, presented by Absopure.
By David Woelkers Jr.
The University of Michigan women's lacrosse team boasts a wide range of academic interests -- from environmental science to doubling up in business and Spanish. Though she has only just begun her journey in the maize and blue, freshman midfielder Allie Hartman is already adding to that diverse lineage by pursuing a major in aerospace engineering, a path forged from curiosity and familiarity with the field.
Like most engineers, Hartman's interest started young -- finding a passion for science as a whole before developing an interest to create new ideas later.
"I've always been interested in math and science," Hartman said. "I kind of just like the problem-solving aspect of it, and I've always been really curious, so science is really interesting to me. I'm always asking 'why?' And then when I got to high school, I really liked physics and the engineering part of it."
Her interest in aerospace engineering also is rooted in personal experiences -- with her proximity to the industry from a young age cementing an enduring passion for flight and space.
"My dad's actually an aerospace engineer, so I've gotten to know a bit more about that because of that," Hartman said. "I grew up near a smaller airport, so he would go take me to watch planes take off all the time. And so that's always been a big interest for me."
As Hartman contemplated future career paths, the vast landscape of aerospace engineering welcomed a spectrum of possibilities. One could choose to help the world travel by designing commercial airliners or fortify a nation with cutting-edge military technology. However, the most exciting path for Hartman personally lies beyond the stratosphere.
"I think I have more of an interest in the spacecraft and satellite portion of it over the airplanes -- building satellites and rockets and working for SpaceX or NASA," Hartman said. "I think it's pretty cool that we can put stuff in space more and more efficiently, and the whole process of getting to build something like that."
Beyond the technical and intellectual appeal, Hartman's passion for engineering also encapsulates a deeply held sense of patriotism. The aerospace industry is not merely a personal interest for Hartman, but also a means of contributing to the safety and security of the nation without donning a uniform.
"I think for me, one of the bigger reasons why this industry is so fascinating for me is I grew up in a very patriotic family," Hartman said. "While I never necessarily wanted to join the military, I think this industry is a great way to support our troops and keep our brothers and sisters who are bravely fighting for America safe. So I think that this industry is a great way to support them and keep them safe and keep our freedom safe in America."
With her introduction to Michigan and her first-year studies in the College of Engineering almost completed, Hartman is excited to dive more fully into the aerospace field starting this fall.
