Engineer
Open To Work
Aaron Wilkins
Rhys Franck
Midlothian,VA
Summary
I am a neurodivergent African American student at George Mason University pursuing an information technology major with a high school International Baccalaureate academic program as my foundation. My technical training in computing and programming gives me the ability to analyze complex technical systems. Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I have first-hand knowledge of cognitive processing differences, sensory overload, and user frustrations. This makes it easier for me to pick up on problems and specific features that may be missed during regular testing. In cases where the technical environment or the dynamics of the group put me under pressure, my abilities in active listening and de-escalation come in handy. I use these skills when working as a Mason Recreation facilitator and planning events and managing different people and site logistics within time constraints. I approach software, database modeling, and networking from a perspective that is based on how the digital space functions for everyone.
Work History
The EDGE Challenge Course
3 MonthsFacilitate experiential learning, team-building, and leadership programs for diverse groups of 130+ participants, including middle school, high school, and university groups.
- Led low-element team-building challenges with diverse groups, including corporate maze, bull ring, wild woozy, and spiderweb, plus high-ropes course elements, including Alpine Tower.
- Ensured participant safety by inspecting and managing technical gear according to challenge course safety standards across multiple group sites.
- Shift facilitation approach to support inclusive participation, with modifications for cognitive processing differences, mobility needs, and physical accommodations.
- Apply the "challenge by choice" framework to support a safe, respectful environment where participants can stretch personal limits at a comfortable level.
- Guide reflection and debrief sessions focused on active communication, perspective sharing, resilience, and frustration tolerance.
- Partner with co-facilitators, high ropes supervisors (HRS), and staff-on-duty (SOD) to manage group rotations, site logistics, and equipment setup and breakdown for course programs and off-site "Edge on Wheels" events.
- Represented Mason Recreation with high-energy, welcoming presence, fostering positive relationships with school contacts, chaperones, and participants.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
- Research: Artificial Intelligence in Smart Connected Medical Devices (IoT)
- Co-Founder: Data Science and Computation Society [Since September, 2026]
- Patriot Activities Council [PAC Foot-Team] [Since August, 2026]
- Mason Recreation - Club Sports
High School Diploma
- Cum Laude: Weighted GPA 3.66
- Extended Essay: Saturating the Public Sphere: Victory Through Air Power and Government Messaging, 1942-1944.
- Psychology Internal Assessment: Anchoring Effects on the Arbitrary Numerical Estimation in a Bean-Jar Task
- History Internal Assessment: Impact of Emmett Till's Murder on Northern Black Political Activism, 1960s-1970s
- Certificate of Recognition, Senior Student Council [May, 2026]
- Midlothian HS Student of the Month {January, 2026}
- Homecoming King [October, 2025]
- RISE Up Award Recipient (7x)-{ Responsibility, Integrity, Sincerity, & Equity}
- RISE Up Spotlight Student Recipient {Sept 26, 2025}
- Jacobs Award for Service Recipient {Midlothian Trojan Marching Band, 2026}
- Superintendent's All-County Team Honorable Mention (2x)-[October, 2024-2025]
- Atlantic Indoor Association Percussion, 1st Place Gold Medalist State Champion (2026)
- IB Psychology SL Course
- IB History of the Americas Course
- Econ & Finances Dual-Enrollment (Longwood University) Course
- Member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, [2025]
- Newnessmatic Coin Club Co-Founder [2024-2026]
- IB Student Council [Secretary, 2025-26]
- Senior Student Council Body [2025-2026]
- Midlothian Trojan Marching Band, {Band & Logistics Manager, 2024-26}, [2022-2026]
- Black Student Union, Club Officer (2025-26), [2024-2026]
Skills
Customer Engagement Management
Logistics & Event Planning
Experiential Facilitation & Reflective Debriefing
Crisis Resilience & Adaptive Management
Adaptive Problem-Solving & Dynamic Routing
Student Leadership & Peer Mentorship
First Aid & CPR Certification
Microsoft Office Suite [Excel
Word
PowerPoint]
Diverse Networking & Relatability
Team Collaboration & Inclusive Practices
Data Analysis & Basic Research Techniques
Peer Wellness & Support Frameworks
Technical Equipment Risk & Safety Management
Neurodiversity Advocacy & Accessibility Support
Critical Thinking & Inquiry
Awards
- Superintendent's Award for Excellence, Chesterfield County Public Schools [May, 2026]
- IB Diploma Candidate Completion [May, 2026]
- Governor's Certificate of Recognition - Early College Bachelor's Program [May 22, 2026]
- Youth Development YMCA Congratulations Certificate [April 26, 2026]
Leadership Roles
- National Peer Leader Advisory Council Member [Since August, 2025]
- Co-Founder, Data Analysis & Computational Society [ Since September 2026]
Community Service
- IVth Night Fall Carnival [August, 2026]
- Club 4400 & Mason Mayhem [August-October] 2026]
- Illusions of the Beyond [October, 2026]
- Once Upon a Scream [October, 2026]
- The George Mason 5K and Fun Run [October, 2026]
- Mason Mile [September 2026]
- ReTech for Kids [2025]
- Old Hundred Elementary Resource Night [March, 2026]
- American Red Cross Blood Drive [2024-2026]
- Richmond Dominion Energy Parade [December, 2023]
- Teen Summit RVA [March, 2026]
- #1234 Girl Scout Troop Volunteer [2017-2021]
- RVA Skins Football Carwash Fundraiser [2017]
- Fight Hunger Globally & Polar Slash [2025-2026]
- IB CAS Project: Sounds of the Season Ensemble Experience [January, 2026]
- IB International Festival [December, 2024- February, 2025]
- IB Senior Mentor Program [2025-2026]
- IB Open House & Scheduling Night Volunteer [2023-2025]
- Marching Band Fundraiser [2022-2026]
- Tech and Theatre Crew Service [2023-2026]
- Wresting Team Community Project [December, 2024]
- Rise for Hunger 5K [April 2025-2026]
Hobbies and Interests
- Spontaneous Side Quests & Exploring
- Neurodiversity & Cognitive Processing
- Freedom, Self-Expression
- Spreading Fun & Generosity
- Extrovert & Community Engagement
- Networking
- Performing & Theatre Arts
- Cartoons/Anime & Pop Culture
- Lego's & Creative Tinkering
- Freestyle Dancing
- Public Speaking, Communication & Event Planning
- Gym & Fitness Activity
- Engineering Deign, AI Technologies & Infrastructure Planning
- Hands-on Tech Refurbishment & Hardware Tinkering
- Outdoor Recreation & Adventure
- Film Editing, Audio Engineering & Media Production
- Peer Mentorship, Student Leadership & Youth Advocacy
Languages
- Spanish - Intermediate
- English - Fluent
- American Sign Language - Advanced Beginner
Timeline
The EDGE Challenge Course
Rhys Franck
08.2026 - Current
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science from Information Technology
Midlothian High School
High School Diploma