Brandon Wells

• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2021

• San Diego State University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘24

• Host Institution: SpaceX

Intrigued and inspired by science and mathematics, Brandon Wells is a student at San Diego State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Thermal Sciences.

He is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and serves as President for his chapter. This leadership position has given him the opportunity to positively influence the academic trajectory of fellow high achieving members by connecting them with engineering professionals and presenting them with new scholarship and community service opportunities. He is also an active member of SDSU Rocket Project, where he is a member of the Structures team.

Since the summer preceding his second year of college, Brandon has been a Vehicle Engineering Intern at SpaceX. His primary responsibilities include designing components and using Finite Element Analysis and mathematical calculations to verify his designs meet and exceed requirements. In addition, Brandon had the distinct pleasure of qualifying flight components on Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy for reuse by conducting vibration, thermal, shock, and pressure tests.

Brandon is a firm believer in using ones talents and knowledge to inspire others and contribute to the greater good of society . Once he becomes an established and knowledgeable engineer, he aspires to start his own non profit organization for black and latinx high school seniors interested in engineering. The organization will to provide mentorship and lessons on professional soft skills such as communication and effective writing along with introducing computer programing and CAD.

Brandon plans to pursue a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and aspires to develop technologies to aid in the exploration of space and the ocean.