New Space at Berkeley
Last updated
Last updated
As a passionate advocate for integrating academia and industry in space technology, my journey with NewSpace at Berkeley has been nothing short of transformative. This portion of portfolio outlines my contributions and experiences in this organization, reflecting my commitment to fostering innovation and diversity in the space tech sector.
Aug. 2023 – Oct. 2023
I had the privilege of directing the first Berkeley Space Tech Career Fair in Fall 2023. This event featured over 20 space-related companies and research centers, including Redwire, Planet Space, Varda Space, and USRA. We successfully attracted more than 300 student attendees, including those from community colleges, broadening their exposure and access to the space industry.
One of the event's highlights was the keynote speech by Jeanette Quinlan, focusing on women's roles in aerospace. In addition, a panel discussion about space career prospects was organized, featuring respected speakers from academia, industry, and research backgrounds. This event was a major step towards bridging the gap between students and the space tech industry.
Jan. 2022 – May 2022
As an organizer of the 2022 Berkeley Space Tech Symposium, I coordinated an enriching event with over 10 professional speakers and 60 industry experts. The symposium centered on critical topics like space entrepreneurship, the impact of space technologies on Earth, and space infrastructure.
This platform allowed over 200 student participants to showcase their space-related projects and facilitated networking with industry recruiters and peers, significantly promoting student innovation and engagement within the Berkeley space community.
Feb. 2021 – May 2021
In my role as Project Manager for the Orbit Fab Project Team, I coordinated a team of 4 students and performed market research. My responsibilities included maintaining effective communication within the team and with the Orbit Fab founder, sourcing companies and individuals for market research interviews, and formulating communication strategies. The work we presented in May 2021 was recognized for its potential impact on the company’s strategic decisions.
Jun. 2021 – Jun. 2022
In my capacity as a Teaching Assistant for the New Space Entrepreneurship DeCal, a student-run course at Berkeley, I focused on recruiting students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, such as women, people of color, community college students, and international students. My collaboration with aerospace leaders like Planet and Redwire was crucial in integrating real-world projects into our curriculum.
I also adapted course materials for various audiences, including high school students participating in the Berkeley Summer Exploration Program. This experience reinforced my commitment to making space entrepreneurship accessible to a broader audience and supporting the mental well-being and active participation of marginalized students.