Huntsville Celebrates Young Women in Defense with Rocket City Fellows Honors
Huntsville, a city known for its rich history in aerospace and defense, recently became a hub for inspiring female scholars from across the country. The Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC) hosted the esteemed Rocket City Fellows program, which recognizes exceptional women in the field and gives them a chance to shine.
A Warm Welcome to Future Leaders
The event took place last week, bringing together several extraordinary women who are making waves in their respective fields. The festivities lasted for two exciting days, packed with activities that included the impressive Wernher Von Braun Memorial Dinner, visits to the iconic U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and an exclusive look at the Redstone Arsenal—a hotbed for defense innovation.
The official awards ceremony took place at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where the achievements of these bright young minds were applauded. Gayla Suddarth, the WID-TVC President Elect, along with Dr. Robert Frederick, the Director of the UAH Propulsion Research Center, organized a heartwarming event where these scholars were celebrated for their hard work and dedication.
A Prestigious Scholarship Announcement
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of the first-ever Claire-Isabelle Staschus Memorial Scholarship. This significant honor went to Alexandria Erickson, a senior studying aerospace engineering at UAH. Family members of Staschus were able to join the celebration via Zoom, bridging the miles between California and Germany for this special moment.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
The event also offered fantastic networking opportunities, allowing the scholars to connect with professionals from the local science and defense community. After receiving their awards, a group of the Rocket City Fellows took the stage to share their studies and experiences, inspiring everyone in attendance.
Jordanna Yochai, a student at Columbia University, spoke passionately about her research on insurgency and civil war, as well as U.S. defense strategies and peacebuilding efforts in West Africa. She encouraged her peers to have confidence in themselves, reminding everyone, “The most important thing is to not doubt yourself.”
In a similar vein, Michaela Hemming, a Ph.D. candidate in aerospace systems engineering at UAH, traced her interest in engineering back to a significant conversation with her stepfather. Today, Michaela focuses on developing cutting-edge rotating detonation rocket engines while actively mentoring young women interested in STEM careers.
Words of Wisdom from a Pioneer
Jody Singer, the first female director of the Marshall Space Flight Center, also graced the event with her presence. Offering sage advice to the scholars, she emphasized the importance of paving the way for future generations, saying, “Just make sure you’re not the last.” Her inspirational words resonated deeply, highlighting the significance of mentorship and following one’s aspirations.
The Rocket City Fellows Class of 2023
So who are these talented scholars making an impact in their fields? Here’s the list of the proud recipients of the Rocket City Fellow honor:
- Jordanna Yochai – Columbia University, International Affairs
- Angelique Klimek – Purdue University, Chemical Engineering of Explosives
- Paige Berg – UAH, Aerospace Systems Engineering of Ramjets
- Lt. Corinne Yorkman – AFFTC, Aerospace Flight Test Engineering
- “Stevie” Andress – Purdue University, Additively Manufactured Energetic Materials
- Noopur Bhatt – Columbia University, Security, Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence
- Michaela Hemming – UAH, Laser Diagnostics for Rotating Detonation Engines
With initiatives like the Rocket City Fellows program, Huntsville continues to not only empower women in defense but also solidify its role as a leader in aerospace and technological innovation. Here’s to these amazing scholars and the bright futures ahead of them!
