PPHS Alumni: Shaping the Future of Technology, Engineering, and Beyond

Adriana Sanchez, a Purdue Polytechnic High Schools' graduate, is pursuing a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree at Purdue University to become an astronaut. After transferring from the Indiana Institute of Technology, she engaged in rigorous academics. She participated in groundbreaking research at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, where she was the only undergraduate among graduate students. Here, she explored sustainable organic life in space through experiments with "blue oyster" mushrooms, supporting NASA's long-term exploration efforts.

Her experiences at MDRS and Purdue highlight her hands-on learning approach and collaboration with top researchers. Adriana's time at PPHS fostered her problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enabling her to thrive in her academic and professional pursuits. Now, entering her senior year at Purdue, she is on track to realize her dream of becoming an astronaut and inspiring future leaders in STEM.

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) alumni Audrey Williamson, Keenan McKibben, and Eric Martinez are making significant contributions to Dow Chemical through internships that leverage the hands-on education they received at PPHS. These students, currently studying at Purdue Polytechnic, have used their problem-solving and technical skills to make lasting improvements at Dow, demonstrating the real-world impact of their PPHS experience.

Keenan McKibben, a robotics engineering technology major, used his adaptability honed at PPHS to tackle complex projects, including integrating third-party sensors into Dow’s digital systems. His work not only advanced Dow’s operations but also positioned him as an expert on the technology.

Audrey Williamson, also in robotics engineering technology, streamlined an outdated data intake process by creating a program to automate it, greatly improving the efficiency of Dow’s operations.

Eric Martinez, majoring in mechanical engineering technology, conducted internal research that directly influenced Dow’s decision-making processes, highlighting the responsibility placed on students during their internships.

All three students credit PPHS’s project-based learning approach for preparing them to solve real-world problems and collaborate effectively in the workplace. Dow has benefited from the students’ technical knowledge and ability to think outside the box, with many projects resulting in tangible improvements for the company.

Kayla Owens, a member of Purdue Polytechnic High School’s inaugural class, has always been forward-thinking about her career. Her time at PPHS introduced her to various tech pathways, laying the foundation for the skills she would refine at Purdue.

At Purdue, Owens pursued a degree in computer and information technology, taking advantage of internships with Eli Lilly and Company and Corteva Agriscience. She balanced coursework with club involvement, exploring multiple career options in tech and preparing for her future in the workforce.

Now, as a Winter 2024 graduate, Owens reflects on her journey: “I feel prepared from Purdue,” she says, excited for the next chapter and the support of a strong network.

Xavier Howard, a member of Purdue Polytechnic High School’s first graduating class, has made history as the first PPHS graduate to earn a degree from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus—achieving this milestone in just three years. Howard graduated with a degree in robotics engineering technology and has already secured a job with GE as a field engineer working on wind turbines.

Howard credits his success to the preparation and support he received at PPHS, a STEM-focused school that emphasizes self-advocacy and critical thinking. The experiences at PPHS, including summer college courses, gave him the confidence and discipline to excel at Purdue. “I walked onto Purdue’s campus feeling prepared and confident,” Howard said.

Throughout his college career, Howard strategically mapped out his courses, utilizing his summer coursework to fast-track his degree. This planning allowed him to graduate a year earlier than expected, a feat he’s proud of.

At Purdue, Howard thrived in both his academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, such as working as a resident assistant and staying involved on campus. His time at PPHS helped him develop the hands-on, problem-solving skills that made him an effective leader and collaborator at the college level.

Now, as he prepares for graduation, Howard reflects on the impact of the educators who believed in him, both at PPHS and Purdue. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence, planning, and support in achieving one’s goals.