Aaron Hess was just a first grader when he witnessed the final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery in 2011. The awe-inspiring moment fueled his childhood fascination with flight, and ultimately led him to major in mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University.
“The experience was incredible—almost indescribable,” Aaron recalls. “Seeing the complexity and power had me hooked. I decided then and there that I wanted to design or build things like that someday.”
At ONU, Aaron is complementing his major with a computer science minor and an aerospace concentration. Whether in the classroom, labs, or the skies, he’s exploring everything from rocketry to airplanes, research to photography.
He’s served for two years as president of ONU’s chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He’s an inaugural member of the ONU Rocketry Club, formed last year, and a leader on ONU’s SAE Aero team.
“Through the SAE Aero Design competition, I’ve had the hands-on experience of designing and building an RC airplane from start to finish, writing technical documentation and reports, as well as presenting to other aerospace engineers,” he said.
Professors in the T.J. Smull College of Engineering encourage you to get involved right away, according to Aaron.
“Everyone goes the extra mile to support you—whether that’s advising you on personal projects, connecting you with relevant opportunities, or simply checking in when you miss class.”
That kind of support led him to participate in a NASA-sponsored UAV and Aeroacoustics workshop at Virginia Tech, thanks to the encouragement of Dr. David Sawyers, professor of mechanical engineering. There, Aaron met students from around the country and got a deeper look at aerospace research in action.
Outside of engineering, Aaron channels his creativity into photography. As a student photography assistant in ONU’s Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy, he’s refined his skills while capturing life across campus.
“ONU is a place where I found balance and felt welcomed right away,” he said. “I’m proud to be a Polar Bear.”