Christal Biney

• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2023

• University of Houston, Mechanical Engineering, ‘26

• Host Institution: Bryce Space and Technology

Christal Biney is a first-year student at the University of Houston pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

As a STEM-driven and inquisitive student, Christal began her involvement in the world of aerospace in high school taking part in the Texas NASA High School Aerospace Scholars program and the NASA SEES High School Internship. Through these experiences, Christal was able to explore the multifaceted nature of engineering and its applications ultimately increasing her drive to pursue a career in aerospace.

At the University of Houston, Christal is a member of the Space City Rocketry team. She is currently aiding the payloads sub team and working towards her L1 rocketry certification and ham radio license. In addition, Christal is involved in aerospace research through her participation in the Undergraduate Student Instrumentation Program at her university where she hopes to apply her knowledge as a mechanical engineering student to aid in the study of aurora borealis.

In the future, Christal looks to take her passion for engineering and astronomy to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering to conduct work and research in the area of precision engineering concerning gravity science and astronomy.

For now, though Christal is eagerly awaiting her much-anticipated summer 2023 internship with BryceTech and looks forward to being more intimately involved in the aerospace industry to continue to learn and be inspired by senior members in the industry.