• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Tufts University, Astrophysics and Computer Science, ‘25

• Host Institution: Draper

Daniel likes to joke that half of all astrophysicists are born from a childhood obsession with a picture book or some single awe-struck moment staring at the night sky. For Daniel, that moment came in first grade, flipping through a tattered library book about the solar system what lies beyond it. From the moment he pored over the glossy pages of galaxies and mysterious black holes, he knew exactly what field he’d devote his life to.

Now a fourth-year Astrophysics and Computer Science student at Tufts, Daniel approaches his studies with curiosity and a commitment to learning. Through Tufts’ Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) chapter, he’s had the privilege of leading their avionics for their rocketry team, working alongside peers to design embedded systems and refine control mechanisms for their team rocket projects. He also leads the Weather Balloon project team, a project close to his heart for bridging classroom theory with hands-on experimentation. By adapting a gamma-ray spectrometer for high-altitude data collection, he and his team are exploring affordable methods to collect cosmic data—specifically that of black holes—which represents a small but meaningful step toward his lifelong fascination with the cosmos.

For Daniel, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship is a launchpad. He aims to dive into the trenches of the aerospace industry, sharpening his technical prowess in control systems and embedded engineering, while growing as a leader who promotes inclusivity. Through PGS, he hopes to empower the next generation of Black engineers, ensuring the industry reflects the diverse curiosity of that first-grade kid with a picture book.