Jack Davies, a first-year student at Notre Dame, has always been captivated by the mysteries of space. Growing up in Billings, Montana, he harbored dreams of becoming an astronaut. While his career path took a different turn, his enthusiasm for space exploration led him to pursue a major in aerospace engineering, focusing on rocket science.
As he embarks on his first semester, Davies is immersed in a challenging curriculum that includes courses such as Calculus, Introduction to Chemical Principles, and Introduction to Engineering Systems. He finds the academic environment at Notre Dame both demanding and fulfilling. Among his classes, the University Seminar on elections in Africa, taught by Professor Jamie Bleck, stands out as his favorite. Professor Bleck, who authored the course's textbook, brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject.
This seminar delves into the intricacies of electoral politics across various African nations, igniting Davies' curiosity about new topics. A group project on Botswana, a country he previously knew little about, allowed him to explore unfamiliar subjects in depth. Inspired by this class, Davies is contemplating a minor in the Keough School of Global Affairs and hopes to visit some of the African countries he has studied.
Despite his rigorous schedule, Davies adheres to a "work hard, play hard" philosophy, ensuring he makes time for extracurricular activities. He has joined the Notre Dame Rocket Team, which competes in the NASA Student Launch Initiative. This project involves the design, construction, and launch of a rocket and rover payload to meet NASA's competition criteria.
Participating in the Rocket Team offers Davies hands-on experience in his field, including contributing technical writing for the NASA competition. He envisions a future career in the engineering industry post-graduation, with the possibility of pursuing further studies in graduate school.
Balancing Passions: Music and Engineering
In addition to his academic endeavors, Davies nurtures a deep passion for music. He plays the stand-up bass in both the Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band, a hobby he picked up during high school. The opportunity to continue his musical pursuits was a significant factor in his decision to attend Notre Dame.
Davies values the holistic experience Notre Dame provides, which includes rigorous academics, personal growth opportunities, and a supportive community. Residing in O’Neill Family Hall, he quickly found a sense of belonging and forged lasting friendships.
The transition to a demanding academic environment was eased by the supportive community. When he faced challenges with his first chemistry exam, his professor and classmates were readily available to offer assistance, exemplifying the collaborative spirit at Notre Dame.
Whether in academics or extracurricular activities, Davies is confident in the resources and support available to help him achieve his aspirations at Notre Dame.