• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2022

• California Institute of Technology, Master of Science in Space Engineering, ‘24

• University of Canterbury, Bachelor of Engineering (Hons First Class) in Mechanical Engineering, ‘22

• Host Institution: Space Capital

• Executive Mentor: Debra Facktor

• Brookie Mentor: Claire Buffington

Jennifer Berry is a Fulbright Scholar studying at the California Institute of Technology completing a Masters degree in Space Engineering.

Jennifer has always been captivated by the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but found herself troubled looking around classrooms and being one of only a few women. This ignited a tireless devotion to her work, leading to becoming the first Head Girl and Dux Litterarum at her innovation-focused high school and now to being the first New Zealand Brookie. Jennifer is also one of the first two Brookies to be selected from the Southern Hemisphere.

Her excitement for space exploration grew as she immersed herself in the growing aerospace ecosystem in New Zealand through her time working at Rocket Lab and project collaborations with Kea Aerospace. While pursuing her interests in aerospace, Jennifer also actively engages with her community and is a champion of gender equity and inclusion within STEM fields. She was elected as Vice President - Finance and Engagement on the University of Canterbury Students Association, dedicating time to student advocacy and acting on the board of directors for the organisation with the largest student engagement in New Zealand. She also actively mentors female students and served on the first committee of Women in Space Aotearoa New Zealand, with the hope to empower younger generations to pursue careers in space and other STEM fields.

As a Brooke Owens Fellow, Jennifer interned with Space Capital located in New York.