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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Christopher Shaffer, a senior aerospace engineering major with a minor in physics from New Bern, North Carolina.  

Shaffer says his curiosity in sciences paved the way for his academic career.  

“My parents were the main reason I chose to study engineering,” Shaffer told �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ Today. “They would constantly let me help with projects around the house, whether it was building something like our back porch, working on cars or taking apart old TVs for the fun of it.”  

Shaffer grew up in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and his dad introduced him to cars, explaining how they work and showing him this other world.  

As a child, going to the Maple Grove Speedway in Pennsylvania became one of his favorite family memories. Watching the Jet Cars, seeing the finished work of the mechanics, and feeling the glass shaking at the commentator’s booth from the engines’ rumble made him realize he wanted to be able to build machinery.

“Since then, my motivations have changed,” Shaffer said. “Instead of automotive, I would like to work in the defense industry. It also allows me, in my own way, to help in protecting our country and the soldiers who risk their lives doing the same.”

Shaffer already had an opportunity to work in his desired field at the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), the maintenance overhaul depot for the United States Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, located in Havelock, North Carolina.

“At FRCE, I was employed as an engineering intern for the Navy,” Shaffer said. “There I was able to pick up some more practical skills in the field and am looking forward to the chance of going back this summer before continuing my education.”

Along with nine other students, Shaffer was selected to be a part of the new Digital Engineering and Design Center in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. This is an internship opportunity for students to work on digital engineering projects and get more familiar with the different digital tools used in the field.

Shaffer credits his positive experience at �鶹��Ƶ������ȫ University and in his personal life to the people he’s met along the way.  

“It wasn't until the end of my second year that I started meeting the friends that I have today,” Shaffer said. “Simply meeting those people made me enjoy school again, and it pushed me to do better. Since then, I have been excelling.”

After graduation, thanks to the support of his friends, Shaffer will pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.