Katie Geerling
Major: Science
Graduation Year: 2019

Before launching an All-Star career as an aerospace engineer, Katie Geerling is continuing to make a significant impact during her time at Maryville University.

Geerling, who will graduate in 2019, is a peer tutor, a member of the Body Pride Team and an Apple Corps student while carrying a 3.8 GPA.

Apple Corp members assist students with their iPad, which all full-time, undergraduate Maryville students receive as part of the university’s Digital World program.

“Apple Corps members are here to help students and, sometimes, faculty with questions and problems about using the iPads, for general things and also for more specific programs that a lot of classes use for assignments and projects,” says Geerling.

As a peer tutor, Geerling helps students who may need extra aid outside the classroom.

“I specifically tutor for some of the math and physics classes we have here, and try to help other students see the concepts in a way that makes sense for them, since everyone learns and thinks a little differently,” says Geerling.

As part of the Body Pride Team, she raises awareness of eating disorders, unhealthy influences and more.

“I joined the Body Pride Team because I’ve always believed it’s really important that people learn to love their bodies and all of themselves despite how much influence there is in society to feel a need to be ‘perfect,’” says Geerling. “That can be so damaging to people, and so unhealthy, and I really think groups like Body Pride Teams are important everywhere, especially at schools.”

Geerling says she handles coursework with her student life through time management.

“It’s taken me a while to learn what works best for myself, but being consistent with my schedule makes all my commitments work out,” says Geerling.

After graduation, she plans to attend grad school for aerospace engineering and then working for NASA or Boeing to help design and build rockets for space flight.