BRENT BOOKWALTER
GET TO KNOW ME
Since I can remember, I have been building, designing, and problem-solving. When I was little, I would design many different creations with Legos, blocks, and Kinex. Sometimes following the instructions and other times figuring out what I can build on my own. During my 14th year, I wanted to experiment with flight and aviation. I began to design a rocket. I gathered most of the materials from everyday items in my house except for the main fuselage and rocket engines. My rocket successfully launched to 1000 feet, and a parachute was deployed. This allowed me to be able to keep reusing the rocket. This successful launch encouraged me to explore and do more. I dreamt of working with RC planes; I had heard of people using foamboard to create them - I gave it a shot. Two weeks later, I had a working prototype with a motor and servos that allowed the plane to maneuver in flight. Once I conquered electric, I moved into building gas RC planes with Nitro fuel. During COVID, I wasn't able to fly in public fields, so I decided to build a drone. This allowed me to fly wherever and whenever I wanted. I made freestyle drones, small, large, and all with cameras. I became obsessed with flying these drones with an FPV headset. I built a Windows computer with the help of research and videos to guide me. Working with my hands, navigating problems, and ultimately succeeding drives me to try new projects constantly. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Colorado Boulder, and I continue to use resources to explore and create new engineering journeys.
ROCKET, 14 YEARS OLD
I built the rocket out of poster board, PVC, a plastic champagne glass, and a black plastic tube.
FIRST FOAMBOARD PLANE, 15 YEARS OLD
I wanted to be able to control a moving object within flight so I began to brainstorm on creating a plane. I watched videos and researched the electronics I would need to complete my build. I cut out the different pieces I would use and glued everything together to create a plane.
DRONES AND PLANES, 16 YEARS OLD
During COVID, I couldn't fly my planes because all public fields were closed. Since I had an endless amount of free time I began researching how to build a drone. A couple of weeks later I bought the necessary parts to fabricate a drone. Within the time of only a day and a half, I had finished my masterpiece. I ended up building two different types of drones a year or two after my first. One was an extremely small drone with a diameter of four inches so I could fly it inside and in very small spaces. The final drone I built was a 6S Lipo version of my first one. The 6S version allowed me to travel up to speeds reaching 125mph. After Covid I dove into building gas RC Planes as well. The building process was similar to the foam board planes. Transitioning to gas-powered planes was a challenging new experience because their engines responded differently from the electric ones I had previously flown. The gas engines provided increased speed meaning I needed to be more careful with my controller stick movements.
CURRENTLY IN COLLEGE AT CU BOULDER
At CU Boulder I am a part of the CU powerlifting team where I train and compete nationally alongside my friends. The main lifts I compete in are Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. The training is intense but it allows me to prove to myself hard work and dedication pay off. Overall, I am currently in my fourth year and have just completed: Component Design, Heat Transfer, and Computational Methods. My classes are challenging but I love learning and exploring how the world works. Every class I take sparks my interest and imagination.
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INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
At RPC Manufacturing Solutions, I worked on the production team assembling and testing electronic components in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This experience strengthened my attention to detail and reinforced the importance of quality control and reliability in every build. I operated production equipment daily, learning how efficiency, safety, and consistency all connect on the shop floor. Working alongside experienced technicians gave me insight into streamlined workflows and on-time project delivery. Overall, RPC gave me hands-on exposure to real-world manufacturing and helped me grow as a detail-oriented, dependable engineer.
Experience
Since my discoveries during my 16th year, I have continued to fly planes and drones whenever possible. Through CU Boulder I am now proficient with Solid Works, Welding, C++, and many more important skills. I am also a Facility supervisor at the recreational center at CU Boulder.
Confucius
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop"