Prairie State is pleased to welcome Brenden O’Kane as the Mechanical Maintenance Intern this summer!
Brenden currently attends Purdue University, where he studies aerospace engineering with a propulsion specialization. He has a fascination with the balance of incredible power and complex construction of jet and rocket engines. At Purdue, Brenden is a pit crew member of a go-kart team. He also leads a bible study group and an outdooring club.
Brenden chose Prairie State because it seemed like a great opportunity to gain experience and learn how to be a better engineer. A bonus for him is that the energy campus is close to his family. Some fun facts about Brenden are that he enjoys whistling and he can wiggle his ears.
This summer, Brenden looks forward to doing a lot of learning. “I am looking forward to learning about a multitude of things about the systems and equipment I’m working on, as well as the many lessons I’ll learn from my coworkers.”
Brenden’s goal is to end up in nuclear rocketry research and development; he may pursue a graduate degree to attain that. He would also be happy working in engineering for the aerospace or power generation industries. He will return to Purdue this fall for his senior year.