Alumni in Action - Markus Primes '10

Markus Primes '10

Washington, DC
 

Markus Primes ’10 arrived at Saint Ignatius High School from Cleveland Heights, encouraged by a 7th-grade teacher who saw his potential and pushed him to attend the Summer Enrichment Program. What began as a summer experience quickly turned into something more, as Markus found himself drawn to a community of like-minded peers and mentors who would help shape his path.

Coming from a Baptist background, Markus found the transition to a Catholic, Jesuit education both natural and welcoming. Through programs like MAGIS, introduced by Mr. Jason Reed ‘95, Markus began to see Saint Ignatius as a place where he truly belonged. That sense of belonging would only grow.

Markus describes the school as a “melting pot,” where he formed lifelong friendships with classmates like Christian Sanders ‘10, Tom Parker ‘10, and Rich Austin ‘10. Those bonds remain strong today, often rekindled at Browns games and Ignatius events.

Several educators and mentors left a lasting impact on Markus:

• Mr. Jason Reed ’95 helped guide him early on, opening doors to opportunity and community.
• Coach Chuck “Chico” Kyle ’69 instilled a mindset of discipline and effort, emphasizing that success comes not from being the biggest or fastest, but from working the hardest.
• Mr. Joe Popelka ’84 offered a moment of encouragement when Markus needed it, reminding him, “You are in this room because you belong in this room.”
• Mr. Jerry DeCarlo took the time to teach Markus how to think like an engineer, planting the seeds for his future career. Markus still refers back to certain lessons and teachings from DeCarlo in his day to day.

Outside the classroom, Markus fully immersed himself in student life. He competed in track and field for four years, reaching the state level in the 4x100 relay, and was a member of the 2008 State Championship Football team. He also served on the Student Council, was the Vice President of the Multicultural Student Union, and a Kairos retreat leader.

After Ignatius, Markus attended Purdue University, where his passion for aviation and space continued to grow. An internship at NASA’s Glenn Research Center helped launch his career, leading him to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he began working in project management. Markus pursued a graduate degree in systems engineering through studies at George Washington University and an MBA at Georgetown University, further connectingdr him to Jesuit institutions and traditions.

At just 27 years old, Markus led a major national initiative: the development of LAANC, a drone authorization system using grid-based mapping across the United States. Tasked with a 12-month timeline, Markus and his team completed the project in just 9 months. The system remains in use today, and Markus presented the work to the Deputy Administrator of the FAA. This marked a significant milestone early in his career.

Today, Markus serves as a Research Scientist in Advanced Aviation Technologies with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in Washington, D.C. In a rapidly evolving field with little historical data to rely on, Markus thrives on continuous learning and innovation. His preparation, discipline, and curiosity have helped him become the youngest principal researcher on his team.

“This industry is so new, there’s little past data to rely on,” Markus said. “Every day, I’m reading, learning, and figuring things out in real time.”

Looking ahead, Markus is focused on building and expanding research capabilities within his organization, mentoring others, and helping shape the future of aviation technology. He hopes to create opportunities for others to grow and succeed in an emerging field.

When asked what advice he would offer current Saint Ignatius students, Markus encourages them to embrace discomfort and exploration:

“Don’t be afraid to fail or be different. At Ignatius, it’s easy to find your group and stay there, but challenge yourself to try new things.”

He points to his own experience, balancing MAGIS, athletics, Student Council, and the Multicultural Student Union as a reminder that growth happens when you step beyond what is familiar and easy.

Through his work, his leadership, and his commitment to lifting others up, Markus Primes ’10 continues to embody what it means to be a Man for Others!