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MEET THE TEAM
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Ethan Markwalter
Co-Founder & President
Ethan is a sophomore from Pennsburg, Pennsylvania studying Behavioral Economics in Wharton. Ethan is drawn to space because it is the closest thing in real life to Star Wars. In the future he wants to help pick up where we left off on the Apollo program and continue pushing the boundaries of what's considered possible.
Helen Lortie
Recruitment Chair
Helen Lortie is a sophomore from Northern Maryland, studying Mechanical Engineering through School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). She became interested in the Aerospace industry after watching a rocket launch in 5th grade. She is a firm believer in aliens. In the future, Helen intends to focus on the implications of aerospace engineering developments, and what they mean for future international public policy.
Shalika Neelaveni
Internal Chair
Shalika, part of the class of 2024, is from Northern Virginia and studying Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). Starting off stargazing with her dad as a child, she quickly developed an interest in the space. Shalika hopes to work at the intersection of mechanical and materials engineering with an application in the aerospace and defense industries.
Willow Wilkes
Project Co-Chair
Willow is a rising sophomore from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, studying International Studies, Finance, and Statistics through the Huntsman Program. She became interested in the aerospace industry after attending a camp at Johnson Space Center with the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia. In the future, Willow is excited to explore the intersection between aerospace, defense, and international relations.
Bryce Gunderman
External Chair
Bryce is a sophomore from Rochester, New York studying Mechanical Engineering at Penn Engineering and Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Wharton School. From reading countless sci-fi novels such as the Ender’s Game series as a kid, he has always been interested in space and humanity’s potential to expand within it. He hopes to work in developing the firepower needed for the first-ever manned mission to Mars (and beyond).
Wyatt Curie
Project Co-Chair
Wyatt Currie is a sophomore from Ellicott City, Maryland, studying Finance and Statistics at Wharton, minoring in Computer Science. He joined WUAC to complete his life's dream of constructing a Dyson Swarm on Mercury. In the future, Wyatt will pursue a career enabling bleeding-edge innovations in the aerospace & defense industry.