Hey, Kerbal Space Program is a perfectly valid alternative to a degree in Aerospace engineering!
EDIT: Obviously kidding.
Resume:
-Designed and simulated entire spacecraft and rocket system for hypothetical moon landing.
-Simulated thousands of spacecraft lithobraking events to assess spacecraft durability
Lithobraking might well become viable with some combination of tethers and electromagnetic accelerators to mediate.
No, but a friend of mine is and he said exactly the same thing.