RCBC mechanical engineering student sets sights on aerospace career
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2021

Mason Buckalew

Rowan College at Burlington County student Mason Buckalew has always held an interest in how everyday tools and mechanisms work. From as early as middle school, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. He chose to start at RCBC due to the reasonable tuition cost and online class offerings. 

Buckalew, of Columbus, recently earned Lockheed Martin’s Vocational Scholarship, which awards recipients $6,600 toward their studies; he was astounded when he received the news. 

“I am fortunate enough to have amazing parents who already have given a great deal so that I have the opportunity to follow my dreams, but with this scholarship, it certainly lightens the load on my behalf and only influences me to keep going for it,” Buckalew shared. “I am extremely thankful!”

After RCBC, Buckalew plans to complete his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with hopes to enter the field of aerospace, working for either NASA or SpaceX. He also expressed an interest in working in automotive design for Tesla. 

“As long as I enjoy what I am working on, then I could be happy going anywhere,” Buckalew said. 

Buckalew’s penchant for engineering stretches beyond his academics, as he builds industrial-grade transformers for NWL in Bordentown. He also works and volunteers as a fireman in a few local departments in his spare time and enjoys working with technology, such as computers and drones. Wherever he lands, Buckalew’s skillset and strong work ethic will take him far. 

To learn more about RCBC’s engineering options, visit rcbc.edu/academics/engineering-technology.