Student Spotlight Q&A: Kalendrix Cook

Our student spotlight series highlights the accomplishments, inspirations, and personalities of students at The Tepper School. Black History Month provides a special opportunity to recognize and elevate the voices of our African American community here at the Tepper School.

This spotlight features Kalendrix Cook (MBA 2026). Learn how he plans to apply his experience as a Space System Engineer/Associate Chief Engineer at MITRE and his degree from The Tepper School to space! 

Question and Answer:

How do you intend to use your Tepper School degree? What is your dream job?

"I intend to use my Tepper degree to get into a new industry, preferably consulting or product management. My long-term goal is to create my own space company with the experience and knowledge I gain from my time at Tepper. My dream job would be to become an artist in the countryside of Spain or France."

Who is your idol or mentor?

"My idols would be both Mae Jemison and Kobe Bryant. Mae came from my home state of Alabama. Her being an African American and obtaining status as a doctor and astronaut is astounding in regards to the difficulties she faced.  Kobe Bryant as an idol for his mentality and dedication to pushing himself beyond his limit to succeed in his goals."

What is one thing people can do today to support a more inclusive and equitable community here at the Tepper School?

"I believe by having more people being aware of clubs, groups, and diversity at Tepper can bring about awareness and knowledge. This creates a more inclusive community of those knowing the issues faced in it."

If you could have any superpower, what would you pick and why?

"I would like to be able to have super knowledge. I want the ability to be able to solve the world's problems such as energy storage and usage while also using tech to clean oceans and reduce greenhouse gases. A modern iron man."

Tell us anything else you’d like us to know about you.

"I love to travel, cook, and I am very big into culture and art. I also do saber fencing in my spare time."