(919) 802-6217
William Donaldson, Aerospace Engineering
Welcome to my personal website!
Please explore my Engineering Portfolio, I have included more information about my education, my work experience, my projects, and my general engineering experience. If you want to skip directly to my resume, there is a link below. Please contact me with any questions, feedback, or information, I can't wait to hear from you!
To learn a little more about me, my skills, and more please scroll down, and check out the other pages.
A Little About Me
North Carolina State University
B.S. Aerospace Engineering
(expected 2022)
Minor Graphical Communications
(expected 2022)
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Grad School
M.S. Aerospace Engineering
(Planned 2022 - 2024)
My name is William Donaldson, I am a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering, with a minor in Graphical Communications. My interests involve design in commercial, VTOL, and supersonic aircraft as well as in space exploration, rockets, and satellite systems. I have extensive leadership experience from school, various extracurriculars, and especially through Boy Scouts, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout as of 2016. Through the Engineering Program at North Carolina State University, I have had countless more experiences and am well on my way to entering my senior year.
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Why Engineering?
I have always been good with my hands, from Legos and Lincoln Logs to helping my grandpa in his workshop. My grandpa fueled my aptitude by teaching me all he could about woodworking, metalworking, plumbing, yard work, electrical wiring, soldering, and basic design. He even helped me get started as a handyman around my hometown. Before he died, he was there when I took charge and worked through my Eagle Project. He has passed on his passion for building and design and I hope that I can carry on this legacy and do him proud.
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Why Aerospace?
My family has a long history in the aerospace industry. My great-grandfather was a radioman onboard a US aircraft carrier, my grandfather flew military jets in the airforce before switching to commercial jumbo jets. My parents met, working for American Airlines in Austin Texas, and my dad still works as a senior manager for the company. I grew up around airports and airplanes, always looking up at the stars, forever curious. From this, I have gained a passion for aircraft and for space, I can't imagine leaving my mark in a better field of engineering. It is this passion that I will bring with me to an internship, job, or project I will pour my heart and soul into your company, and into furthering humanity into its future.
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My Objective
I am looking to broaden my experience through internships, co-ops, new projects, and general work in order to grow as a person and as an engineer. My ultimate goal is to join the workforce as an Aerospace Engineer, working to advance flight technologies on Earth as well as strengthen humanity's interstellar footprint through space exploration systems, more environmentally friendly and economical rockets, and expanding communications through satellites and telescopes. I am always ready to learn and will give my all to any company willing to provide me opportunities for growth.
My Skills
Here is a more detailed look at the skills I have acquired over the years
Languages
Programming and spoken languages learned over the years. Always trying to learn more and grow.
MATLAB
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
English
Spanish (working proficiency)
Graphics
Skills gained through my minor, my regular classes, work experience, and through my own projects.
SolidWorks (CSWA) and eDrawings
Autodesk 360
LulzBot Mini 3d Printers
CNC and Tolerancing
Adobe Draw (and Photoshop)
Meshmixer, Blendr, Vectr
Simulations
I have been working with simulations with increasing regularity as my college career progresses.
ANSYS and Fluent
Simulink
AVL Modeling
XFoil
Open VSP
Solidworks Simulations
Hands On
Hands-on experience through certain classes, my work experience and especially through personal projects.
Sub-Sonic Wind Tunnel
Super-Sonic Wind Tunnel
Wiring (splicing, soldering, crimping)
Woodworking (extensive)
Soft Skills
Skills I have developed since I was little. I am always trying to grow as a person to succeed in life and my career.
Well-Rounded (Versatile)
Organization
Detail Oriented
Leadership and Teamwork
Other Skills
Skills that don't necessarily fit in any of the other categories, but still add to who I am and my qualifications.
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Microsoft Office
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Web Design
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First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified
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Professional Writing
Current Projects
I'm currently working with my Aerodynamics professor, his graduate students, and a couple of other undergraduates on summer research. The research is focused on issues involving hypersonic flow conditions and the need for more resilient structures. I am also currently taking summer classes; communications for engineers, and web design.
Upcoming Projects
Over the summer, I plan to work on various robotics and mechanical projects with a group of other NC State students. Majors represented include; Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical engineering as well as Computer Science. As students, we are all excited to learn, test our skills, and work together to become better engineers.
Interesting News
I like to keep up with current news and accomplishments in the aerospace industry and will occasionally post links, images, and articles here. Through this, I hope to grant further insight into what I am interested in and what I have been reading up on recently. As an engineer, it is important to stay in touch with what other companies are working on, draw inspiration from these projects, and even learn from others' mistakes.