By Jessica Barnett
It is often the combination of early exposure and influential mentors that can steer a person towards their career aspirations. This is certainly the case for Meredith Patterson, who now stands as an accomplished aerospace engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center located in Huntsville, Alabama. Previously unfamiliar with rocketry, Patterson’s participation in NASA’s Student Launch has played a significant role in her journey to the team that aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
Her remarkable experience with NASA’s Student Launch competition brought to the fore her hidden enthusiasm for aerospace engineering and equipped her with the essential skills to excel in the field.
The competition is a unique opportunity for student teams countrywide to devote nine months to the design, construction, and evaluation of a high-powered rocket that can carry a scientific or engineering payload. The annual event peaks with launch activities in Huntsville and will conclude its latest iteration between April 10-14, with the final launch slated for April 13 at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama.
Patterson discovered the Student Launch competition during her eleventh grade in high school, while touring North Carolina State University.
“The moment I stepped into the university’s rocketry lab, I knew that I wanted to be in charge of that setup and contribute to a successful Student Launch,” she reflected.
She dedicated five years to North Carolina State University, actively engaging in the competition each year. Her leadership in the final year led to a commendable fourth-place finish. Through the event, she earned her Level I and II certifications from the Tripoli Rocketry Association and gained invaluable insights from mentors affiliated with both Tripoli and the National Rocketry Association. This experience, she believes, provided the practical knowledge and skills vital for a flourishing career in aerospace.
“The competition was a catalyst for my growth in leadership, systems engineering, and technical writing,” Patterson said. “It allowed me to engage with experienced individuals and, in turn, acquire significant technical expertise. This knowledge forms the foundation of my everyday work, more so than what I learned in most of my college classes.”
Although an engineering camp she attended at age 16 sparked her interest in space exploration and rocketry, it was the hands-on involvement in Student Launch that allowed her to pursue this interest passionately.
“Looking back, it’s astonishing that less than a decade ago I had no experience building rockets. Yet today, I not only build Level II-sized rockets independently, but I’m also part of the monumental Space Launch System (SLS) rocket boosters project,” expressed Patterson.
Integrating with NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges, the Student Launch sees 70 teams from 24 states, including Puerto Rico, selected for the 2024 challenge. The challenge is coordinated by Marshall, with additional support from NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement – Southeast Region and funding contributions from both NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate and the Next Gen STEM project.
FAQ Section
What is the NASA Student Launch?
NASA Student Launch is a competition where student teams dedicate nine months to designing, building, and testing a high-powered rocket with a scientific or engineering payload, culminating in a final launch event in Huntsville, Alabama.
Who can participate in the Student Launch Competition?
Students from the sixth grade up to college level from across the United States can participate in the competition.
How did Meredith Patterson’s participation in the Student Launch aid her career?
Patterson honed leadership, systems engineering, and technical writing skills through the competition. She also built valuable mentor relationships, achieved certification in rocketry, and gained practical aerospace experience, which directly contributed to her career at NASA.
Does the Student Launch have any relationship with NASA’s Artemis missions?
Yes, the Student Launch is one of NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges, aiming to inspire and engage students in the science and engineering practices involved in space exploration.
When and where is the final launch of the Student Launch competition scheduled?
The final launch for the upcoming event is scheduled for April 13 at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama, with the overall challenge activities taking place between April 10-14.
Conclusion
Meredith Patterson’s progression from a student with nascent interest in rocketry to her pivotal role at NASA is a testimony to the profound impact of educational initiatives like the NASA Student Launch. Her transformation highlights the importance of hands-on experiences and mentorship in STEM education. As the 2024 Student Launch approaches, another cohort of aspiring engineers and scientists are provided with the platform to ignite their passions and stoke the fires of curiosity and innovation that drive our exploration of space.