Sapna Rao
SAPNA RAO, '18
Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin Commercial Civil Space
Where I've been in my career and where I'm going... I've worked on various human space exploration projects such as the Artemis mission, Human Lander System, Nuclear Propulsion, ISRU, Cryogenic Demonstration Mission, and Machine Learning applications on Orion. With all of these experiences, I am aiming to be a Systems Architect for space exploration missions with a concentration on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. I hope to design mission that are designed to employ Machine Learning/AI to transform how we architect spacecraft.
Fondest memories of AOE...
Some of my best times in AOE were spent working on the Design Build Fly plane in the Ware Lab. Working together on a team to build something from scratch that actually flew and won 2nd place at competition was an amazing experience! Additionally, being part of SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) was also one of the best experiences. Being part of a group of like-minded space nerds and doing various activities from STEM outreach to rocket certification increased my passion for space!
Favorite Virginia Tech tradition...
My favorite tradition was the 3.2 for 32 run. That run and day had the entire campus come together in solidarity for our community. It really demonstrates how the Hokie community is supportive. Now that I live in Colorado, I enjoy participating with my fellow Denver Hokies.
Who inspired you to become an engineer?
Both my parents are amazing engineers! Seeing the work they do in Computer Science really inspired me to be an engineer. Additionally, they would take me to all the museums in the DC/VA area full of Space Shuttles, aircraft, and lunar landers. Seeing all these amazing creations inspired me to be part of the Space Industry.
Challenges you've had to overcome in aerospace engineering...
One major challenge has been feeling the need to perform exceedingly well to have a seat at the table; often times called imposter's syndrome. Women often times have to prove themselves in Engineering to be included in the conversation and be heard. This higher standard has required me to work very hard to earn my place but has enabled me to have amazing opportunities. I have been able to use imposter's syndrome as energy to work hard and perform so that I can make space for more women in my field.
Faculty member who had the biggest impact on you...
Dr.Raj had the biggest impact on me through all the fantastic feedback he gave us during senior design. He really taught us how to make professional grade presentations and how to go about execution for DBF. With his expertise from working at Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, I was able to learn professional skills that I use to this day.
"I wish I knew then"...
You can do anything if you are willing to put the time towards it. This means being able to learn subjects very different than you are comfortable with. For example, I have been able to learn Linux and Python from scratch and now regularly write scripts in those languages despite not having taken those classes in college. Instead of finding reasons not to do things look to how you can because there is a way. If you have this mindset the opportunities will come to you.
How AOE equipped you for the "real world"...
The biggest thing about being in industry is being a good team player. With all of the team based projects we do in class from senior design to thin walls projects, I really learned how to be an effect team member. In my current job I only work on teams and my success can be attributed to successfully working in that environment. Additionally, AOE really helped me be a self-learner. Being able and willing to learn new things on my own has been crucial to my success in Data Science and Machine Learning roles.
What you miss most about Virginia Tech...
I miss the community and friends that I had at Virginia Tech. All the amazing people I met changed my life for the better and helped me get to where I am today.
How do you stay connected with fellow Hokies?
There is a bar in downtown Denver that Hokies go to for football games! There is also a Denver Hokies group that organizes the 3.2 for 32 run every year. Additionally, a few of us Hokies have stayed in touch and regularly hang out for some Colorado hiking.
Current project that you're most excited about...
I am currently working on applying Machine Learning to the Orion vehicle for the Artemis I and II missions. The potential benefits Machine Learning and AI assistance could provide is exciting! Having the right data analyzed and available could play a big part in mission success. With all the data we get from spacecraft the opportunities are huge! I am excited to be working on this and paving the way for how we do test analysis.
A woman who helped you get to where you are...
Shreya Chandramoulli has been a huge inspiration for me throughout college and in my career. As her mentor, I helped guide her to opportunities and create more space for women of color in the industry and in college. Seeing her achieve great things has been a huge inspiration to me, showing me the important and effects representation can have on people. Now that we are both professionals, I look to Shreya for advice on my career and think of our relationship as peer mentoring. Thanks to Shreya I am inspired to keep working on increasing diversity and inclusion in the space industry.
Advice to current women studying in AOE...
The importance of making space in technical areas in the Aerospace Industry is immense. We have to let our actions speak for ourselves and increase representation in the top leaders of the Aerospace Industry. To bring about change we have to support each other, a win for one woman is a win for all of us. Support your peers and build each other up! The connections you make in groups and projects will last you the rest of your career so be intentional.