Open to opportunities

Evan Richards

@evanrichards

Message

First-year engineering student focused on propulsion, data analysis, and computational modeling.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek internships or entry-level roles in propulsion or aerospace research where I can apply computational modeling, data analysis, and hands-on testing while growing technical skills and contributing to collaborative engineering teams.

I am a first-year engineering student at Purdue University with a strong foundation in chemistry, calculus, and linear algebra, combined with hands-on research experience in computational modeling and optimization.

At the Governor’s School for Science and Technology I completed advanced coursework and year-long mentored research with NASA on performance optimization of rocket propulsion and dual-bell nozzles, work featured in the GSST Research Journal and presented at the GSST Spring Symposium.

I have repeatedly placed first in regional science fairs for computer science projects exploring neural networks, password security, and predictive modeling, and I have experience using R, RStudio, Minitab, and Excel for data analysis and experimentation.

Outside academics, I am an Eagle Scout with extensive leadership experience, active in the Purdue Space Program propulsion sub-team, scholastic bowl (co-captain), and multiple music ensembles, demonstrating collaboration, discipline, and sustained commitment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

First Year Engineering Student

Current

Purdue University

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Pursuing First Year Engineering with coursework in Chemistry and Linear Algebra; active in Purdue Space Program propulsion sub-team and concert band while continuing STEM research background.

Chemistry Linear Algebra Team Collaboration Propulsion Systems R RStudio Excel

Current

Eagle Scout & Youth Leader

Current

Scouts BSA Troop 54

Jan 2018 - Present (8 years 1 month)

Achieved Eagle Scout rank, held 13 leadership positions, completed 100+ community service hours, and earned full set of merit badges while participating in national leadership training programs.

Leadership Project Management Community Service Training Development Fundraising Team Leadership

Research Intern (GSST/NASA Mentor)

Governor’s School for Science and Technology

Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 (1 year)

Conducted year-long NASA-mentored computational modeling and optimization of dual-bell rocket nozzles, published in the GSST Research Journal and presented at the GSST Spring Symposium.

Computational Models Optimization Research Methodology R Minitab Data Analysis

Co-captain, Scholastic Bowl

Grafton High School

Jan 2021 - Jan 2025 (4 years)

Co-captained the scholastic bowl team, providing leadership and strategy coordination for competitions from 2021 to 2025.

Team Leadership Coaching Strategic Competition Public Speaking Time Management

Student Researcher

Grafton High School

Jan 2021 - Jan 2025 (4 years)

Led multiple award-winning computer science projects on password security and neural network performance, winning first place at regional science fairs and advancing to state-level competitions.

Machine Learning Neural Networks Experimental Design Python Data Analysis Excel

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Purdue University

Engineering

2025 -

Activities and societies: Purdue Space Program Hybrids propulsion sub-team member; Purdue University Concert Band member

First-year engineering student taking courses in Chemistry and Linear Algebra at Purdue University beginning in 2025.

Grafton High School

High School Diploma, High School Diploma

2021 - 2025

Activities and societies: AP courses (Human Geography, World History, US History, English Language and Composition, US Government, English Literature and Composition); multiple award-winning research projects; Scholastic Bowl co-captain; trumpet and marching band leadership; Scouts BSA Eagle Scout

High school coursework including multiple AP classes and participation in science research projects and competitions from 2021 to 2025.

Governor’s School for Science and Technology

Engineering

2023 - 2025

Activities and societies: Research experience with R, RStudio, Minitab, and Excel; GSST/NASA research on dual-bell nozzle optimization; presented at GSST Spring Symposium; featured in GSST Research Journal; science fair participant and award winner

Completed Governor's School engineering strand coursework including calculus-based Physics I & II, Calculus I & II, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, research methodology and senior research.