James "JJ" McCauley, 2024

Hello! My name is James "JJ" McCauley. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying aerospace engineering, following the astronautical track within the Aerospace Engineering Honors Program. I have always been fond of complex problem solving, applied physics and mathematics, and taking a collaborative and creative approach to explore my curiosity of the universe. At the University of Maryland, I am a part of College Park Scholars: Science and Global Change (SGC), a living-learning program with a focus on exploring global climate change. I completed my practicum in the summer of 2025, working as a project manager with Aramark Facilities Management in Manhattan University. I worked with technicians, engineers, and managers to run the boiler rooms, HVAC systems, and day-to-day maintenance of the university. In my second year with SGC, I became a scholars peer-mentor, helping the freshman class with their transition to college and College Park Scholars. I am also a member of UMD Loop, a competitive engineering team that designs and builds a Mars rover, competing in the University Rover Challenge. I have the role of the science sub-team lead, where I am in charge of the system that collects regolith samples and tests them for life. My team and I are currently working with scoops and auger mechanisms to collect samples, which are then analyzed with a custom made Raman spectrometer and fluorometer. In addition to Loop, I have also participated in the Nearspace Balloon Payload Program, an engineering team doing scientific research by launching latex balloons tens-of-thousands of feet into the air with payloads to record data. I worked on the GHOUL system, which is what allows for the ventilation of helium, allowing for altitude control. Next year, I plan on joining the Terrapin Rocket team as well. Overall, I am always keeping my eye open for new opportunities to learn and meet new people.