• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2025

• Purdue University, Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering, ‘26

• Host Institution: BAE Systems

My name is Xavier Williams, and I was born and raised in Florida, spending most of my youth in Orlando. As a child, I had the joy of watching rockets launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Although I didn’t yet understand the complexities of getting a rocket into space, I knew I wanted to be part of something so inspirational. This fascination led me to fall in love with the sciences, and during high school, I even published a research paper. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Design at Purdue University. At Purdue, I’ve become deeply involved in organizations that promote diversity, integrity, and community, such as the National Society of Black Engineers, the Minority Engineering Program, and the Emerging Leaders Scholar Program. I’ve also had the privilege of contributing to cutting-edge research as part of the Purdue Impact Science Lab, which recently joined the prestigious Aeroballistics Range Association—a network that includes NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Sandia National Labs, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. One of my core beliefs is to be a master of a few things and a jack of all trades. Aerospace engineering encompasses many specializations, and I believe it’s just as important to have a broad understanding of the field as it is to develop deep expertise in one area. Along my journey, I’ve cultivated a wide range of skills and experiences. I’ve programmed in C, Java, Arduino, Python, MATLAB, and more. I’ve gained experience using GitHub and even served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for introductory engineering courses, where I encouraged engagement and fostered a belief that there’s no such thing as a bad question. Beyond academics, I’ve worked as a student office staff member in the University Residence Halls, fulfilling residents’ needs and creating a welcoming environment for students. These experiences have shaped my commitment to using knowledge and science to serve the greater good. Our world thrives on innovations in medicine, transportation, electronics, and more. Each step I take toward mastering and exploring the world and universe is driven by my desire to relieve the burdens that weigh us down and to contribute meaningfully to society.