• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2024

• Cornell University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘25

• Host Institution: Loft Orbital

Hello! My name is Iyana McGirt and I am a junior studying mechanical engineering at Cornell University. As a junior, I want to solidify my knowledge and interest in the aerospace industry to prepare myself for my plans and life after graduation. As an avid movie watcher, I have been enthralled by the potential of space and space exploration from a young age when I watched movies that discussed this. In high school, I hoped to research more about this career path by joining the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) of which I am still a member today. Joining NSBE in high school allowed me to see a future as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, a dream I am now able to pursue in college. After completing my undergraduate studies I hope to eventually pursue my masters in the field as well. In my free time, I love to crochet and knit, exploring new patterns and styles I don’t yet know. I also like to brush up on my guitar skills.