An engineer inspired by a retired physicist turned mentor will share his story during an upcoming event in Grand Junction.

Ryan Patterson will speak at the annual dinner with a scientist fund-raiser set for 5:30 to 7:30  p.m. Oct. 15 at the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum at 1400 N. Seventh St.

Tickets sell for $75 for table seating and $45 for standing room. Discounted tickets for $25 are available for teachers. For tickets or additional information, visit the website at

www.simpletix.com/e/changing-the-world-with-drones-with-ryan-p-tickets-181347.

Patterson met John McConnell, a retired physicist, while attending elementary school in the Grand Valley. Under McConnell’s mentorship, Patterson excelled in science fairs and earned scholarships and internships.

Today, Patterson works as a design engineer with Zipline International, a San Francisco area company working to deliver medical supplies and other products through drone deliveries.