TECH FOCUS: AEROSPACE A Q&A with SAE Aero Design organizers As if they weren't already busy planning the upcoming season, Beriswill and DeBerardinis graciously responded to a Q&A request with Update. Read on to learn about what keeps them motivated, how SAE Aero Design can benefit the future of aerospace, and whether or not they'd recommend volunteering to other professionals. (Spoiler: They do!) When did you start volunteering with Aero Design East? What inspired you to get involved? MB: I started volunteering for Aero Design since approximately 2005 as a reader for technical papers and an RC pilot following my graduation from university. I served in roles like this until 2012 when I started organizing the technical paper scoring for the committee. My original inspiration for participation in Aero Design as a volunteer stemmed from a desire to remain involved after my two student competition years in 2003 and 2004. RD: I got involved a couple of years ago when I met Mike Beriswill, who was the Florida 24 February 2025 Michael Beriswill: " I love the energy and enthusiasm of students in this competition. " Shown: Student from Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics. event director. I had been involved in the Mechanical and Aerospace Capstone program at the University of Central Florida for several years and love working with students. So I was excited at the opportunity to work with SAE Aero Design as the incoming event director. I know you both spend a lot of time organizing this event. What keeps you motivated? MB: I love the energy and enthusiasm of students in this competition. The technical challenge creates a comradery among the students and the teams; it's not uncommon to see competing teams help each other to be successful. Additionally, I love observing the learning among the students and enjoy talking with them about engineering fundamentals; I really draw a significant enjoyment from their energy and passion. RD: It's really the students. One of my favorite things to do at our events is walk around from team to team UPDATE SAE International