• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Lehigh University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘27

• Host Institution: Astroscale

Courtney Baker is a highly driven sophomore at Lehigh University pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering. Ever since she was young, she has been passionate about space exploration and sustainability. In elementary school, she would read about Astronomy and watch Star Wars. She decided to pursue a career in aerospace after writing a draft of a sci-fi book in 10th grade, realizing that she wanted to make futuristic space ideas into a space reality. The next year she identified meteors as an intern for the University of Maryland Astronomy Department, and also founded an Environmental Club, inspired by her childhood experiences with environmental research at summer camps.

Courtney then realized she wanted to merge her enthusiasm for space and sustainability into her academic studies and career. Joining the Lehigh NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative team gave her the perfect opportunity to do so, and she is now excited to continue similar work while interning for Astroscale and helping them achieve their space debris removal and on-orbit servicing goals.

Courtney also participates in the Society of Women Engineers, NSBE Boeing Flight Competition, LU Rocketry Association, LU Aerospace Club that competes in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition, and serves as Vice President of Renewable Energy Club. Furthermore, she is an AIAA SciTech 2025 Rising Stars in Aerospace Scholar.

In her free time, she loves to do creative writing and art, read, study Mandarin, thrift, and advocate for women in STEM as a Soaring Together Scholar.