• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2026

• Mississippi State University, Industrial Engineering, ‘27

• Mentor: TBD

• Brookie Mentor: TBD

Kyla Hunter is a senior at Mississippi State University studying Industrial Engineering with a focus on engineering policy. She serves as an elected Senator in the Mississippi State University Student Association and sits on the Appropriations Committee, where she advocates for policies and funding decisions that directly impact student organizations and the broader campus community.

In addition to her work in student government, Kyla serves as President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at Mississippi State University. In this role, she has focused on strengthening academic support and mentorship for engineering students by organizing weekly study sessions and expanding structured mentorship opportunities. Through this work, she has developed a strong commitment to expanding access to engineering education and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the support needed to succeed in technical fields.

Kyla also works as an undergraduate researcher at the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University, where she contributes to research on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Her work includes developing flight test plans, supporting hazard identification processes, and assisting with safety documentation for advanced flight operations. This experience sparked her interest in aerospace systems, aviation safety, and the policies that shape the future of emerging aerospace technologies.

Through her leadership, research, and policy interests, Kyla hopes to expand access to aerospace education and career pathways for students who may not traditionally see themselves represented in the industry. She believes that increasing access to aerospace education will not only strengthen the workforce but also ensure that the future of the aerospace industry reflects a broader range of perspectives and experiences.

As a Brooke Owens Fellow, Kyla is excited to join Voyager, where she looks forward to learning more about the policy and strategic decisions shaping the future of commercial space while continuing to advocate for greater access to aerospace education and opportunity.