• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace Engineering, ‘26

• Host Institution: Barrios

Hello! My name is Lauren Leitch. I am a third-year Aerospace Engineering major at Georgia Tech, with a minor in International Affairs and a French Language certificate. I am passionate about the intersection of space law, policy, and international collaboration, as well as spacecraft design and manufacturing. Beyond academics, I am actively involved in several student organizations that contribute to my technical and cultural growth. I was recently elected as the Social Media Manager for The Dance Company, where I help promote our group through creative digital content. As a Georgia Tech tour guide and Aerospace Engineering Ambassador, I love sharing my enthusiasm for the university and aerospace field with prospective students. I am also an engaged member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), AeroAfroAstro (AAA), the African American Student Union (AASU), and the Caribbean Student Association (Caribsa), which have all played a significant role in my personal and professional development. I first learned about the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship through AeroAfroAstro, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Being selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow will help shape my academic and professional journey in the aerospace industry.  This summer, I look forward to applying my knowledge in real-world settings, growing both technically and professionally, and discovering how my international focus fits into my long-term career in aerospace. This fellowship will allow me to gain invaluable industry experience, expand my professional network, and further explore my role in advancing aerospace technology and policy globally. It represents a significant step toward my goals, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me. I am excited about the journey ahead and the experiences, mentorship, and challenges I will encounter this summer.