On duty at the air base
The path of Danijel “Dan” Babić ’24 to aerospace science began in an unexpected place: a physics classroom in the Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics at 糖心vlog.
Born in Serbia during a time of civil unrest, Dan immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of three. His early years were marked by displacement and resilience—experiences that would later fuel his determination to succeed in higher education.
After graduating from a Pennsylvania performing arts charter school, Dan initially dreamed of becoming a filmmaker. When that path didn’t work out, he enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he trained as a meteorologist and deployed on assignments forecasting weather for Air Force pilots in the Middle East. Although the work was meaningful, Dan longed for a career that combined creativity with problem-solving.
Internship at FLIR while at IUP
That search led him to IUP, where he spent three years immersed in physics and the close-knit environment of the Cook Honors College. “IUP gave me the foundation I needed,” he said. “It was where I really built my confidence in STEM and discovered I wanted to apply my skills to engineering.” Faculty mentorship and small-class interactions helped him refine his direction while balancing military service.
Through IUP’s 3+2 program with the University of Pittsburgh, Dan transferred to Pitt to complete a mechanical engineering degree. In spring 2024, he graduated cum laude with dual bachelor’s degrees in physics (IUP) and mechanical engineering (Pitt), as well as an associate’s degree in meteorology from the Community College of the Air Force.
Internship at SpaceX while at Pitt
Along the way, Dan made the most of every opportunity: interning with Teledyne FLIR, MSA Safety, and SpaceX; contributing to the Physics Club at IUP and leading the Society of Astronautics and Rocketry Club at Pitt; and presenting his work in academic settings. He credits IUP with equipping him with the problem-solving skills that made these experiences possible.
Following graduation, Dan began a master of science in aerospace science and technology at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, positioning him at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
“It means a lot to me to be a first-generation college student,” he said. “IUP was where it all started—it gave me the confidence and skills to aim higher.” From sketching futuristic inventions as a child to preparing for a career in aerospace engineering, Dan’s story shows how IUP shapes students who go on to change the world.