Conversations with Braydon:
As a senior now, you have to submit a project in Mechanical Engineering. Have you decided what that will be?
No, I have not decided what it will be yet. This coming fall, I begin my senior design course in which I will learn more about mechanical design using tools such as finite element analysis. During this semester we will work on 3-4 projects in various teams to complete a design project, doing all aspects of the project, including design, analysis, building, and testing. In the spring of 2027, I will start the second half of senior design in which we get to select a semester long project. The previous projects that I am interested in are the Houston Astros sponsored baseball bat contour analysis and the L3Harris aerospace projects, including the design of FMS prototypes.
Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering as a major?
Multiple reasons. I always enjoyed math, especially calculus, and engineering gave me an opportunity to utilize math in real world scenarios. Additionally, I took two engineering classes in high school where I got to see the impacts of engineering and was intrigued by the innovative aspect of it. A mechanical engineering degree will provide me with employment opportunities that will allow me to use my skills and education to work towards innovative designs, helping an industry move forward.
Where have you interned in ME?
This past summer I was able to intern at PPL Electric Utilities back home in Lancaster. I had the opportunity to work in multiple roles, including reliability engineering, where I learned about the power industry. One of the reasons I chose to intern here was because PPL gave me the chance to learn a new field / industry that I would not otherwise get exposed to as a mechanical engineer. This allowed me to expand my skills and increase my knowledge.
What did you take away from those internships?
One of the biggest takeaways I had from this internship is always taking the chance to try something new and not be afraid of being uncomfortable. I initially thought that the PPL internship role wasn’t the most aligned with my educational background; however, once I was in the role, I realized I was able to be a contributing member of the team. I helped to scope out new projects, complete field work, and even completed my own project. In addition, I learned a lot from my internship at PPL, which I attribute to being focused on asking questions and taking advantage of every opportunity that the internship afforded me. I was able to work with various teams, shadow different groups in the company, and attend events that provided me with learning opportunities about PPL and the power industry as a whole.
Are you doing any T-A work in ME?
I am not currently doing any TA work, but I am exploring this role for Spring semester. For the fall semester, I will continue to participate in political science research under Professor Gamm. I learned about Professor Gamm’s research from my teammates and began working on his research this past spring. I enjoyed working with Professor Gamm and Connor Kann, with the research being focused on examining a large archive of state party platforms and contributing to the completion of one of the largest databases on state political positions, identifying the origins of political polarization, and the culture war.
What are some of the big challenges playing in the secondary?
Some of the biggest challenges playing in secondary, specifically safety, is understanding the playbooks with checks to different formations, schemes, or personnel. At safety, I need to be focused from the time the last play ends, being ready to get the play call from the sideline and ensuring everyone knows the call. I also need to remain attentive to the offense leaving the huddle in order to identify formations and personnel. At this time, I will then need to be prepared to make checks based on these. Additionally, in the secondary we need to be focused on stopping the big plays. This is not only in the pass game, but when we get the chance, ensuring we make the tackle. We are the last line of defense in most plays and need to always be prepared to make the play in front of us.
Once it gets into conference season, do you have any input with the coaching staff on a defensive game plan?
Our coaching staff does a great job of getting the game plan ready for us on Monday right after game day. They have tendencies, calls, and a game plan already set up for the coming week. But throughout the week, when running plays against the scout team or watching film, our coaches are more than open to hearing different opinions from players, such as trying a new blitz or coverage versus a certain personnel or in different situations. Specifically, once we get to conference play, there is more discussion about previous seasons talking about plays they ran in the past that may have hurt us or things that worked. They give us the opportunity to work with them to have the best outcomes on Saturday.
As the receiver comes off the line, what are you looking for?
This is coverage dependent, but I am always reading my keys at the start of the play. No matter what, I am getting my run pass read and from there beginning to complete my 1/11 of the play. Specifically, if I am in coverage I will key the inside hip of the receiver as this allows me to see when they are going to break in a certain direction and can focus on their movement.
Do you counsel the first-year students on classes, time scheduling, etc. in addition to understanding the defensive schemes on game day?
Yes, I try to help in anyway I can with the underclassmen on the team, even some of the 2nd and 3rd year players. In our family program, I am given a little brother who I help to mentor and am available to answer any questions he has. I am also a source for anyone on the defense, especially those in the secondary, for any questions, helping the younger players understand not only their position but the players around them. I also have other teammates come to me with questions based on coursework, who to go to if they need help with a class or subject, or are just unsure who to contact / talk to with anything going on.
How did you become involved with the University?
First being a part of the football family. We help with different activities and volunteering opportunities throughout the year such as the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, helping incoming students move in, setting up and tearing down events such as the activity fairs, along with much more. Additionally, I am involved with Morgans Message attending meetings throughout the semester to promote student athlete mental health.
