#SoCaltech: Sean P. Devey

“Whistling is moving air through your lips and tongue to make a sound. I study fluid mechanics, so in a way I’ve learned to do this very fluid mechanical thing, which is whistling. I study things that aren’t necessarily whistling related but are certainly fluid related, so there is a connection there. I first competed in 2021 in an online competition, which was a good introduction into the world of competitive whistling. The most exciting thing about being a competitive whistler for the first time is you’re like, ‘This is great. I have the ‘fun fact about you’ covered for life.’”

  Aeronautics graduate student Sean P. Devey, an elite competitive whistler, took on against more than 100 other participants from as far away as Brazil, Japan, and France in The Masters of Musical Whistling International Festival and Competition, held in Hollywood in September. View (and hear) his 2021 competition submission.

#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.