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Hobbies and interests
Art
Computer Science
Conservation
Engineering
Aerospace
Flying And Aviation
Krav Maga
Mathematics
Mythology
Painting and Studio Art
Science
Photography and Photo Editing
Music
Writing
Social Work
Reading
Adult Fiction
Academic
Adventure
Classics
Chick Lit
Book Club
Epic
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Young Adult
Women's Fiction
I read books daily
Akshita Arora
2,885
Bold Points![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/jorf1373c16e8f14ddcb3af97ce5081de01.webp)
Akshita Arora
2,885
Bold PointsBio
Hi! My name is Akshita and I'm a grad student studying Mechanical engineering at University of Michigan. I was always inspired by Kalpana Chawla, the Indian origin astronaut and aerospace engineer who hailed from my hometown and endeavored to follow in her footsteps. My pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering was not simply a journey of academic discovery but a testament to breaking conventional norms. When the students of my college started the ‘Zeroing In’ science podcast, it gave me the chance to facilitate conversations highlighting women researchers across STEM fields and design the podcast cover art. I also organized and took part in the ‘One Indian Art’ exhibitions which showcased the diverse array of artists stemming from varied socio-economic backgrounds. These endeavors deepened my resolve to blend the technical expertise of engineering with the ethos of social responsibility and inclusive advocacy. When I secured the highly sought-after job at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the well wishes and messages that I received from the kids of my hometown for my three years of work at ISRO made me realize that I had become a source of inspiration for them to pursue science just like Kalpana Chawla had did for me. Being raised in a state in India with the lowest sex ratio made me realize that empowering and uplifting women is of the utmost importance for a sustainable society. After graduation, I aim to launch a program designed to empower high school girls by equipping them with the resources to pursue science and engineering.
Education
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Master's degree programMajors:
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
Scientist, Engineer
ISRO2021 – 20243 years
Sports
Badminton
Junior Varsity2016 – 20171 year
Research
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
ISRO — Scientist, Engineer2021 – 2022Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
IIST — Intern, Researcher2019 – 2020Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
IIST — Intern, Researcher2019 – 2020
Arts
The One Indian Art
PaintingArtist, Painter, organizer2022 – 2023Zeroing In Podcast
IllustrationCover Art, Podcast2020 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Zeroing In Podcast — Empowering Women and minorities in STEM2020 – PresentVolunteering
SOS children's villages India NGO — Math and physics tutor2021 – 2021
Future Interests
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
From riveting tales penned by Isaac Asimov and other visionary authors, to stargazing through my telescope, space science has always enthralled me, becoming an unwavering beacon guiding my academic journey. I was always inspired by Kalpana Chawla, the Indian origin astronaut and aerospace engineer who hailed from my hometown of Karnal and endeavored to follow in her footsteps. My parents, incidentally both of them Agriculture scientists, were always supportive of my interests and encouraged my temperament for science. They bought me a telescope when I scored excellent marks in 8th grade. I used it to gaze at the night sky and dream of planet colonization, identifying a faint Saturn, basking in the sight of the four moons of Jupiter till the haze of city lights and pollution made them indiscernible.
I knew my visions of interstellar habitation might not come to fruition in my lifetime but I believe that progress in this field will solve most of the humanity’s burgeoning problems like overpopulation, unemployment, economic disparity and environmental degradation to create a more peaceful, sustainable and internationally cooperative world.
I took the first step towards accomplishing my dream by pursuing Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace engineering at Indian Institute of Space science and Technology (IIST). My junior year internship focusing on design of a cold gas micro-propulsion system shaped my inclination towards the mechanical intricacies governing space technology. In my undergraduate thesis, I integrated mathematical modelling, programming and heat transfer principles to create a solver for coupled conduction and radiation in participating media. Further, we explored the possibility of reducing the operating cost of ACs in railway compartments by filling the double walled glass windows of the compartments with silica fibers, which decreased the heat flux by more than 25%. My admiration for the impact of mechanical engineering on innovations that improve quality of life and promote environmental sustainability further reinforced my interest in this field.
When I secured the highly sought-after job at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), after my graduation, the many well wishes and messages that I received from the kids of my hometown for this achievement made me realize that I had become a source of inspiration for them to pursue science just like Kalpana Chawla had did for me. As a design engineer, I worked towards the development of the human rated sub-systems of Crew Escape System for Gaganyaan mission.
Engaging in this undertaking ignited my desire to deepen my understanding of mechanical engineering and equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to catalyse advancements in computational, thermal and energy field. While graduate school has been a longstanding part of my trajectory, my confidence and readiness have significantly enhanced after dedicating over three years to the dynamic and continually expanding aerospace sector. My long-term goal is to contribute towards the progress of society and work alongside fellow researchers to create technologies that positively transform the lives of underprivileged individuals.