Student Highlight: Lainey Oliphant

Name: Lainey Oliphant

Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota

Graduation Year: Spring 2026

Program: Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Why did you choose the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Minnesota?

“When I was young, my dad would take my brother and I to Gopher football games, and from that point I knew I wanted to go to the University of Minnesota. I chose AEM specifically because I've always kind of known that I wanted to pursue aerospace engineering, so it seemed like the best of both worlds.”

How did you get interested in aerospace engineering? 

“I became interested in aerospace engineering at a young age, driven by a fascination with space and the underlying physics that govern it. Initially, I considered pursuing physics because I was especially drawn to theoretical concepts. However, I ultimately chose aerospace engineering because it offers a unique balance between theory and application. Many aerospace concepts can be experimentally tested and validated, whereas some areas of physics remain inherently theoretical due to fundamental limitations, such as the speed of light. While these limits may prevent certain ideas from ever being directly proven, aerospace engineering presents opportunities to push boundaries in ways that are tangible and measurable. I am excited by the possibility of contributing to a generation of scientists and engineers who will continue expanding those boundaries and turning ambitious ideas into reality.”

What are your favorite things about the department?

“My favorite thing about AEM is the size of the program. Compared to larger departments, the smaller class sizes make it feel much more like a close-knit community. I also really appreciate that most students follow a similar course sequence, which gives you the chance to see the same people over several years and build strong connections along the way.”

What advice do you have for incoming students? 

“Get involved! When I first started out in AEM, I was very shy and often didn't have a lot of people that I felt I could turn to in the program, which made it really difficult to succeed and feel truly fulfilled. At some point, I got really sick of that and got more involved with activities, where I was able to meet some amazing people and feel like I was a part of a community. Most of my involvement was on the technical side (e.g. Small Satellite Research Lab, faculty research, UROP, etc.), but what matters most isn’t the specific activity. The key is to find something that genuinely interests you and helps you connect with others. That combination makes a huge difference both academically and personally.”

What do you hope to do in the future?  

“I was recently admitted to the AEM graduate program, where I plan to pursue a PhD focused on uncertainty quantification in hypersonics. In the long term, I hope to work at a research-oriented organization where I can continue applying what I’ve learned to real-world technologies. I’m especially drawn to work that bridges theory and application, and I’ve found this to be something I’m deeply passionate about. Ultimately, it would be incredibly fulfilling to build a career where I can keep exploring these challenges and contributing to advancements in the field.”

What are your interests outside of the department?  

“In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, playing games (especially Pokémon and Stardew Valley), spending time with family and friends, and exploring random topics that spark my interest. I really enjoy learning new things, even outside of my field, just for the sake of curiosity.”