For Roderick Purdy, SPA/BA ’27, the sky has never been the limit—it has always been the destination.

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Purdy spends roughly 20 hours a week at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, transforming complex principles of aerodynamics and space exploration into accessible, hands-on discoveries for thousands of visitors on the National Mall as part of the Explainers Program. 

The competitive, paid Explainers Program employs high school and college students to serve as frontline educators, staffing interactive discovery stations, facilitating activities, and demystifying STEM concepts for guests of all ages. Purdy is one of several AU students representing the university in the program’s cohort.

Purdy’s fascination with flight began early. The Louisville native spent his early childhood flying back and forth between Texas and Kentucky while his family relocated. “It felt like a magical experience,” Purdy recalled. “I would always be in the window seat, looking out the whole time, enjoying the noise, the feeling, being that high up in the air.” Over time, that childhood curiosity evolved into a deep interest in commercial aircraft models, airlines, and the mechanics behind modern transit networks.

When Purdy arrived at American University to study political science, he initially wondered how to carve out his niche. By his sophomore year, the pieces fell into place: He could bridge his coursework in governance and public policy with his love for transportation.

The chance to put that into practice emerged unexpectedly at an AU career fair in October 2024, where Purdy spotted a table for the National Air and Space Museum’s Explainers Program. After applying and delivering an interview demonstration on how airplanes achieve lift, he was offered a position that November and officially joined the program in April 2025.

As Lead Explainer, Purdy staffs discovery stations across the museum, tailoring technical concepts to everyone from curious five-year-olds to seasoned commercial pilots. Whether employing aviation trivia or cracking a joke, Purdy aims to leave every visitor with a lasting memory.

“Figuring out how we’re able to put our own unique spin on things is a very exciting part [of the job],” Purdy said. “You're able to get a laugh out of a visitor as well as give them valuable information.”

Among his favorite museum spaces is the America by Air gallery—where visitors can walk through a Douglas DC-7 and examine the nose section of a Boeing 747—and Destination Moon, home to landmark artifacts like Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit. 

Yet for Purdy, the personal interactions stand out most. He fondly recalls a young visitor at a black hole station who named the 3D-printed display the “Rat Observatory” after her plush companion and spent 15 minutes straight peppering him with questions.  

“To see that kind of joy in a younger visitor’s face was especially valuable,” Purdy said. “It reminded me, ‘That’s my why.’”

Purdy’s educational work dovetails naturally with his professional background. During an internship this summer with the Maryland Aviation Administration’s Office of Civil Rights and Compliance at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, he evaluated federal regulations, accessibility standards, and web compliance. The role gave him a broad view of the machinery required to keep thousands of travelers moving safely every day, offering opportunities to tour the airfield and fire department, shadow airfield operations, and work alongside senior leadership on key legislative matters.

Looking ahead toward graduation, Purdy plans to remain in the Washington, DC, area, targeting career paths that merge government affairs, policy research, and transportation infrastructure.

“You’re part of a mission where you’re putting our nation’s stories to the forefront in an accessible and unabridged manner,” Purdy said of his time with the Smithsonian. “It’s truly an only-in-DC experience.”