Pierre-Yves Courrier

Pierre-Yves Courrier lists his hometown simply as “The World.” And after spending his childhood living in France and Hungary and Canada and, finally, the United States, “The World” really does seem to be the simpler answer. Growing up all over the globe gave Pierre a sense of wonder, and helped him to be adaptable in any situation.

Pierre, a junior mechanical engineering major in the College of Engineering, found a home in the Mozaiko Living-Learning Community, as well as the Frith Engineering Lab, where he let his creativity wander. It is there that he has explored his passion of engineering new tools for his community and the world. Currently, Pierre is working on an Autonomous Food Delivery Robot for our campus.

In addition to his engineering ingenuity, Pierre also finds an outlet in artistic expression. Last October, Pierre created a mosaic artwork for Mozaiko in just one weekend. The piece was exceptional, and captured not only the spirit of Mozaiko and its honoree, Dwight Shelton, but also the curious and adventurous artistic heart of Pierre.

His nominator said that Pierre’s “fearless and spontaneous character is so evident in the way he has designed his undergraduate experience, that there leaves no doubt he will continue to create a legacy at Virginia Tech and in his future endeavors.”

When asked what advice he would like to pass on to others, Pierre replied that staying true to ourselves is the best way to live genuine lives. Pierre says, “Life is way too short and full of amazing things to do and see to spend time trying to be someone we are not.”

Pierre’s unwavering curiosity and adventurous spirit will carry him through the rest of his experience at Virginia Tech, and will give him the strength to move mountains--or rather, bike over them. Yep, that’s right— Over the summer of 2020, in addition to his academic and creative pursuits, Pierre made a goal to mountain bike 1,000 km (that’s over 600 miles!) He would wake up early and drive to the mountains to bike, and three days before returning to Virginia Tech, he not only met, but beat his goal, clocking in 627.72 miles!

For leading his life of curiosity, embracing a life-long commitment to intellectual development, and lighting the world with his adventurous spirit, it is my honor to present Pierre with the Aspire! Award for Commit to Unwavering Curiosity.