About Me

Hi! I’m Thomas, a mechanical engineering junior at Duke pursuing an Aerospace Engineering Certificate. I’m also an aviation enthusiast and someone who rarely travels without a camera.

Aviation

I hope to become one of the engineers behind the aircraft I’ve spent so much time watching and photographing. I’m especially interested in how engineering can make flight more efficient and sustainable.

I keep a flight log and make hand-drawn aircraft cards for the crews I meet. They help me remember each journey and start conversations with people I might otherwise never get to know. I enjoy hearing about their experiences and learning about aviation from their perspective.

Making a card is also a way to thank them. There’s a lot of care behind every flight, and I like offering something personal in appreciation. I hope those small exchanges help people feel recognized and bring a little warmth to their day.

My curiosity has taken me to the Paris Air Show to explore developments in aviation and space, and into the pilot’s seat of a Piper Archer for my first discovery flight.

Thomas giving a thumbs-up in an airliner cockpit, in front of rows of circuit breakers — Visiting the cockpit to talk with the crew after giving them my hand-drawn aircraft cards.

Thomas wearing a pilot’s cap, seated in an airliner cockpit at the gate — Visiting the cockpit to talk with the crew after giving them my hand-drawn aircraft cards.

Thomas standing between an Air France Concorde and another aircraft inside a hangar — At the Paris Air Show.

Selfie of Thomas on an air show ramp, with an Airbus A350 and a military transport aircraft behind — At the Paris Air Show.

Thomas waving in front of a U.S. Air Force propeller transport aircraft at an air show, camera in hand — At an air show in the U.S.

Travel & Nature

Travel has made me more aware of how much my perspective is shaped by my own experiences. Learning about different cultures encourages me to ask questions, listen before making assumptions, and appreciate that people can approach life in different ways. I enjoy returning from a trip with a broader understanding of the world and something new to think about.

I also love exploring nature and taking time to notice my surroundings. Photography often gives me a reason to pause and look more closely.

Through Postcrossing, I exchange postcards with people around the world. A handwritten message offers a glimpse into someone’s everyday life, while the pictures and stamps carry something of their culture. I love how an unexpected piece of mail can make an unfamiliar place feel a little more personal.

Thomas in a red jacket in front of the jagged, snow-covered peaks of Mount Fitz Roy — In front of Mount Fitz Roy on a hike, Argentina.

Thomas with arms outstretched in front of the blue ice wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier — Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina.

Photography

I first picked up a camera at five, on a family trip to Bali, photographing my parents with a DSLR that looked oversized in my hands. I’ve kept a camera close on my travels ever since.

I’m drawn to people, their surroundings, and the moments they share. Photographs let me revisit an experience and remember how it felt. Sharing them also lets other people enjoy a moment, recognize themselves in it, or see something they might have missed.

At Duke, I photograph sports and events for The Chronicle, where one of my photographs was selected among the year’s top ten.

Recently, I’ve been exploring black-and-white and film photography. Working with a limited number of frames is teaching me to slow down, observe carefully, and be more deliberate about when I press the shutter.

You can find some of my work in the Photography section.

Thomas pointing to one of several printed photographs pinned to a wall — Pointing to my photograph among The Chronicle’s top ten (left), and shooting a sports event for The Chronicle (right).

Thomas holding a camera with a long lens, looking out from a dark stadium tunnel — Pointing to my photograph among The Chronicle’s top ten (left), and shooting a sports event for The Chronicle (right).

Thomas standing beside his framed black-and-white portrait print on a white wall — With my final exhibition print from a black-and-white photography class.

Sports

I’ve played volleyball and soccer since high school. Being captain of my high school volleyball team taught me to listen, offer encouragement, and take responsibility for how we worked together.

At Duke, intramural soccer gives me a chance to keep playing and meet new friends. I enjoy the energy of a good game and having a reason to bring people together, get outside, and have fun.

Thomas in a Bayern München jersey beside a statue outside the Allianz Arena, among crowds of fans — At the Allianz Arena in Munich for my first live match in a stadium: an FC Bayern München home game and Thomas Müller’s farewell.