Noah Kurus

Noah Kurus always been enthralled with the concept of airplanes and other flying machines. Growing up, he wanted to be a pilot, but then decided it wasn’t meant for him.

“I came to the realization that me being 6’5” and making a career in the very cramped environment of a cockpit isn’t the best idea,” says Kurus. “So instead of flying airplanes, I decided that I could use my strengths in math and science to make a career in designing planes as an aerospace engineer.”

The New American University Presidential Scholar worked multiple jobs on campus in his time at ASU. He worked as a teaching assistant, grader, student coordinator at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and as a research assistant at the Adaptive Intelligent Materials and Systems Center,” says Kurus.

Kurus is coming right back to ASU after graduation to complete his master’s degree in aerospace engineering as part of the 4+1 program.

“After that is still somewhat up in the air,” he says. “ASU has great PhD programs so that is one option. Otherwise I’ll go work for an aerospace company doing what I love.”

He looks forward to being part of a team of like-minded people.

“My dream life is being a senior aerospace engineer working on cutting-edge aerospace technologies,” Kurus says. “I want to be surrounded by other talented individuals who are all as passionate as me about the work we’re doing.”

His dream of becoming a pilot is still out there too.

“Ideally, I’ll be living someplace with tons of outdoorsy things to do,” says Kurus. “I’ll have my pilot’s license and my own plane to take out flying whenever I want.”

Kurus has some advice for those still in school: step out of your comfort zone.

“Being at a place like ASU is a once in a lifetime experience and the memories and friends you make here you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” he says. “Push yourself and be uncomfortable — your future self will thank you for it.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2019 class here.