• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace Engineering, ‘27

• Host Institution: Muon

Mersimoy’s journey into aerospace engineering is a story of passion, perseverance, and resilience. Hailing from a small town in Ethiopia, his journey into aerospace began with an early fascination for science and technology, especially after being introduced to NASA by his uncle when he was in fourth grade. This passion brought him to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is currently pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. Growing up in a region where opportunities were limited, Mersimoy’s achievements are a testament to his resilience and determination. He consistently pushes himself beyond his comfort zone, seeking growth and embracing challenges. While at Georgia Tech, he co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing admissions counseling to Ethiopian high school students aspiring to study in the U.S. Motivated by his own challenges navigating the college application process, Mersimoy has been mentoring students, making their journeys less daunting and more achievable. Mersimoy is also an active member of Georgia Tech’s Ramblin Rocket Club, where he gains hands-on experience as part of the GNC propulsion sub-team, working on propellant formulation and rocket motor design using CAD modeling and ANSYS. These experiences have sharpened his technical skills and fueled his passion for aerospace engineering. Mersimoy aims to inspire and mentor the next generation of aerospace enthusiasts, particularly in areas like Ethiopia, where opportunities in the field are limited. Excited to join the exceptional team at Muon Space, Mersimoy is eager to contribute to the company’s exciting work in driving innovation in satellite technology to transform Earth observation capabilities and tackle significant challenges in climate change and Earth intelligence. With the invaluable experience and leadership skills gained through the fellowship, he is committed to driving innovation and making a meaningful impact in aerospace engineering and beyond. Moreover, he aims to inspire and mentor the next generation of aerospace enthusiasts, particularly in areas like Ethiopia, where opportunities in the field are limited. Fun fact: He achieved his black belt in Taekwondo martial arts at the age of 15.