• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mechanical Engineering, ‘27

• Host Institution: APL

Alexis Tanon is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. His interest in aerospace engineering has led him to actively contribute to the Aero Design team, where he serves as the lead engineer for a fully autonomous VTOL aircraft that will compete against numerous universities in California. Through this role, he developed skills in design, manufacturing, and analysis of aerospace systems. Beyond his projects and team collaborations, Alexis has a strong passion for learning and innovation, always seeking new ways to expand his knowledge and apply creative solutions to engineering challenges. In the future, he aims to continue advancing in the aerospace industry, contributing to cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation.