Ayana DeSears

My story

My interests in astrophysics and NASA missions led to my major because I fell in love with all things science. Discovering change-makers like Mae Jemison, I was drawn to the impacts of physics on aerospace engineering concepts.

I plan to pursue an occupation in the aerospace industry. Recently, I was a participant of the NASA L’SPACE Mission Concept Academy program with Arizona State University, finalizing presentation concepts on a team of 14 members. I had the roles of mechanical engineer, planetary geologist, and astrophysicist as I designed a sample collection system for a dwarf planet exploration spacecraft/rover mission.

This scholarship is the blessing I was looking for this school year, and I am honored to have been selected as a TEAM-UP Together Scholar. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my bachelor’s degree in physics!