• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Syracuse University, Aerospace Engineering, ‘25

• Host Institution: Draper

I’m Tatiyyanah Nelums, a senior at Syracuse University studying aerospace engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of exploration—whether that means discovering new technologies or imagining how we can push humanity further into the stars. My focus is on the commercial spaceflight sector, with a particular interest in sustainability and propulsion systems. I believe we have a responsibility to make space exploration innovative and impactful without leaving our planet behind. Beyond the technical side, I’m also passionate about creating space for diverse voices in the aerospace industry—because the future of exploration should belong to everyone. At Syracuse, I’ve had the opportunity to be the Co-President of the Syracuse Branch of AIAA as well as aerodynamics and propulsion lead for their DBF team. Through the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, I’m excited to continue building the skills and connections I’ll need to pursue my ultimate goal: founding a commercial space company that focuses on sustainability and making space travel and knowledge accessible for the general public.