• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2023

• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering, ‘23

• Host Institution: KBR

• Mentor: Debra Facktor

• Brookie Mentor: TBD

Saima is in her final year at the University of Michigan studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. She grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and has always had a passion for tinkering and space exploration where she hopes to one day make her dreams of becoming an astronaut a reality.

Saima was involved in several robotics related competitions in high school which sparked her interest in mechanical design and autonomous systems. In high school, she helped lead her team win first place in a statewide robotics competition. Beyond her undergrad she aspires to continue her education in robotics. With her familial roots in India and as a first generation Muslim student, she hopes to serve as a role model for underrepresented women who want to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Throughout her undergrad she has been involved in several technical, professional, and educational opportunities. At her university, she is a member of MiTEE, her university CubeSat team, working on developing a stabilizing control system for their CubeSat. She also assisted with leading the development of test procedures for a project with NASA Wallops Flight Facility through her CubeSat team as well. Saima will be working as a co-op with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory prior to her time with her host institution to assist with work on the Europa Clipper Mission. She is a member of her university ASME chapter and has been serving as their Internal Vice President helping with organizing professor talks and professional development opportunities. Saima's passion to serve her community has extended to the classroom as well where she has served as a Department Ambassador for first year students and assists with declaring majors and developing student degree plans.

As a Brooke Owens Fellow, Saima is thrilled to meet other passionate women in aerospace and grow as an engineer. She is excited to start with KBR this summer at NASA Goddard!