• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2024

• Stanford University, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, ‘27

• Host Institution: SpaceX

Henock Tilahun, an aeronautical and astronautical engineering student at Stanford University, embodies curiosity and fearlessness, readily engaging in conversations with anyone he meets. These values hold great significance for him as he pursues his dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. His journey took flight when he embarked on his first transatlantic voyage aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Ethiopia.

His passion for aerospace engineering grew as he soared above the Denver metro area and delved into aerospace extracurriculars like the Mile High Flight Program. Henock desires to captivate the interest of others in air and spacecraft. Notably, he co-initiated a program with friends to mentor students in developing two Cube Satellites.

Giving back to his community was a pivotal aspect of Henock's high school experience, and he envisions leveraging his passion to make a meaningful impact in Ethiopia. Supporting the aerospace industry in the Horn of Africa holds a special place in his interests.

Henock aspires to challenge himself to get outside his comfort zone during his education at Stanford, and as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow, he eagerly anticipates contributing to a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Ready to lead, he envisions a future where he will play a transformative role in the aerospace industry.