Malia Mitchell is a 2021 Future of STEM Scholars Initiative Scholarship recipient and a rising senior and mechanical engineering major at Howard University. During a recent exchange with Adrienne Blanks, FOSSI Scholar Engagement and Education Manager, Malia reflected on her collegiate journey as a FOSSI scholar.
Could you share a few highlights about your experience at Howard University?
As I prepare to enter the fourth and final year of my undergraduate journey, I am filled with many wonderful emotions – excitement, accomplishment, determination – but the greatest one of all is gratitude. I’m grateful for the many amazing people I’ve met at Howard, the opportunity to attend various events and conferences, and I’m grateful to have traveled to many new destinations during my collegiate journey.
What extracurricular activities are you enjoying on campus?
I’ve done a great deal in order to make the most of my time in D.C. I served as a student leader on campus as a residential assistant since my sophomore year and with organizations such as my university’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers Chapter, and the National Society of Black Engineers Howard Chapter. I was also awarded entry into various entities like the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and the Executive Leadership Council Fellowship.
How has the FOSSI Scholarship impacted your experience at Howard University?
I’m forever thankful to the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative because the support of its gracious members is what has allowed me to experience these amazing moments and accomplish great things.
FOSSI’s belief and investment in my future has allowed me the privilege to experience firsthand the beauty of philanthropy and the importance of paying it forward. With my aspirations of developing a career in the aerospace industry, I fully intend to lead by FOSSI’s example of generosity and excellence by working toward the collective betterment of African American women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics spaces, and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Tell us about your internship experience.
I was awarded the opportunity to intern at SpaceX with the Build & Flight Reliability (BFR) team as a BFR engineering intern. I enjoyed attending the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show and attending my first NSBE Conference (NSBE50) this past spring. And how I enjoyed my first-ever zero-gravity flight experience as a member of the Aurelia Institute’s Horizon 2024 Flight Cohort, where I was able to experience lunar, martian, and zero-gravity!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative for its generosity and for standing as a beacon of unity, generosity, and cultural excellence. I will be sure to send a graduation picture in May 2025!
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