#SoCaltech: Hannah Ramsperger

“Because I was a bit less outgoing compared to my twin sister, people always thought I would be the one to stay in Switzerland. But I found that I wanted to see more of the world and get out of the Switzerland bubble. I wanted a new challenge, so I applied to Caltech for its unique undergraduate research and learning opportunities and got accepted.

I had never been to the US before coming to Caltech. Adjusting to the language was difficult at first. The only time I talked in English was during my English lessons in high school, so switching to having every conversation and lecture in English was a big change. All my other subjects, including math and physics, had been taught in German, so it took me a few lectures to get used to all the technical terms.

Everything was new, but it didn’t take long until I felt at home again, because it’s such a welcoming community with kindhearted people here at Caltech. I found friends really fast, and I didn’t expect it to be so easy to transition. Now, when I go to Red Door to get coffee, the staff know my order. I walk in three or four times a day, and they already know what I'll ask for. It's a small thing that makes you feel very welcome, and I think it wouldn’t be like this at a larger university.”

Hannah Ramsperger is a third-year undergraduate majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in aerospace. This summer, she interned in the Engine Performance Department at MTU Aero Engines in Munich, Germany. During the academic year, she conducts research in the Explosion Dynamics Laboratory, which is led by Joseph Shepherd, C.L. “Kelly” Johnson Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus. Her go-to order at the Red Door is a large iced Americano.

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.