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My journey in engineering began in 7th grade when I reveled in learning about simple machines and building structures out of popsicle sticks and hot glue. Joining my high school's FIRST Robotics Competition team only solidified my love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Promptly after graduating high school, I moved from my hometown in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Denver, Colorado to work on the Orion program for a contractor to Lockheed Martin and have been working in space systems ever since. There, I developed test plans for and performed proton radiation, heavy ion radiation, and thermal vacuum tests for qualification of Orion’s camera system. I returned to Colorado for three consecutive summers to continue my work testing and supporting design of the camera system. In addition to working on the camera system in the summer of 2016, I supported the development of Lockheed Martin’s Mars Base Camp for which I performed various analyses and designed CAD models of preliminary architecture.

Now a mechanical engineering student at WPI in Worcester, Massachusetts, I am the president of the Satellite Development Club where I am leading a team of 30 undergraduate and graduate students to design and build small satellites for a NASA challenge. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, I am a proud alumna of FIRST Robotics Competition team #1714, MORE Robotics, and Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum. I am interested in space environment testing, project management, psychology, graphic design, branding, and all things engineering. As I begin my career after college, I plan to work as an engineer then take on managerial roles and eventually earn a master’s degree and an MBA. I love taking on new challenges and learning skills in and outside of engineering fields.

Learn more about me at www.rachelewelch.com