Sana'i Parker

• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2023

• Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘24

• Host Institution: SpaceX

Sana’i is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering major studying at Drexel University, with a specialization in Aerospace. Having loved all things space for as long as he can remember, Sana’i has spent many years of his life dedicated to numerous extracurriculars and activities that have only further fueled his passion for the field of aerospace engineering. For much of his pre-college years, he was involved in clubs such as robotics, drone flight, and model rocketry, and organizations such as Civil Air Patrol. On campus, Sana’i is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has also participated in NASA’s L’Space summer academy, in which he and a team of other like-minded students pitched a technical proposal for alternative and environmentally sustainable engine fuels to NASA officials for potential funding. Outside of classes, he is involved in leadership positions such as being both a current Resident Assistant and Student Ambassador, as well as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. In his free time, Sana’i really enjoys photography, going skateboarding, or spending time outdoors. After graduating, Sana’i hopes to use his future career in the industry to become a pioneer for society – someone who works hard to better the future of humanity and also gives back to numerous communities; inspiring other ambitious young Black students like himself to never give up on their dreams.