Grade: 12

Family members: I live with my parents, Russell and Karen Shaffer, and my pet gecko Omnicron. However, my family extends out of the Lehigh Valley to my older brother, Alexander, who is finishing his studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

Favorite subject: My favorite subject has been chemistry. Far from my notions of what it would be – a glorified biology class – chemistry turned out to be a brief glimpse into the nature of the universe. It revealed to me an innate order which, on the surface of the physical world, we could never see nor imagine.

Activities: Through school, I have been involved with varsity athletics in the form of track and cross country. Academically, I am a member of National Honor Society, a participant in various science fairs and current team captain of Becahi's junior engineering team. Outside school, I am actively involved in my church as a sacristan and altar server and in my scout troop.

Next steps: I plan on pursuing an education in aerospace engineering.

Career Goals: Ultimately my goal is to get to Mars. However, with that dream a long way off, I would like to work for a private space company as a propulsion engineer and help pave the way to travel to the Red Planet.

Heroes: Aside from my parents, I would say Mike Rowe. Though it might seem odd to idolize the host of Dirty Jobs, Mr. Rowe and I share both a particular set of values based on the merits of hard work, and ironically, a speech impediment. He has obviously conquered his speech issue, which gives me hope that I can do the same.

Hobbies: I love biking and running, in addition to reading and writing. I also enjoy theater, an activity which, for the past two years, I have participated in with Becahi's theater department.

Volunteer/community work: I addition to service for scouting and school, I help the Knights of Columbus chapter at my parish. Not only is it a good group to help, the Knights are a fantastic group of men to interact and work with in their various endeavors for the church.

Likes: I really quite like Mars. The Red Planet has always been an alluring place, but now, as I learn about the reality of space travel, it becomes less a fantasy and more a reality every day. Plus I believe Mars is future for humanity – our pale blue dot grows smaller every day.

Dislikes: Above all, I quite dislike ignorance. It is one side of a coin to be able to debate a point in a civilized manner and then be open to possibly changing your opinion based on the opposition's arguments. It is the completely opposite side which will disrespectfully refuse event to listen to the opposition's platform.

Greatest accomplishment (so far): I suppose my greatest achievement would be completing my Eagle Scout project, a memorial flagpole and walkway for the East Allen Volunteer Fire Department. This allowed me to finally reach the rank of Eagle. It was the culmination of 11 years of work, patience and effort toward a single point, which without the support of my friends and family, I could have never reached.

Advice for peers: You are capable of anything you seriously put your mind toward doing – you just have to admit to yourself that you can do it. That might be the hardest part.

Julia Swan coordinates student profiles for the Bethlehem Press.

Student profile subjects are selected by faculty and administration at the individual schools.