• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2024

• Cornell University, Mechanical Engineering, ‘25

• Host Institution: Loft Orbital

Iyana McGirt is a junior studying mechanical engineering at Cornell University. As a junior, Iyana wants to solidify her knowledge and interest in the aerospace industry to prepare for her plans and life after graduation. As an avid movie watcher, Iyana has been enthralled by the potential of space and space exploration from a young age when she watched movies that discussed this. In high school, Iyana hoped to research more about this career path by joining the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) of which she is still a member of today. Joining NSBE in high school allowed Iyana to see a future as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, a dream she is now able to pursue in college. After completing her undergraduate studies, Iyana hopes to eventually pursue her masters in the field as well. In Iyana's free time, she loves to crochet and knit, exploring new patterns and styles she doesn't yet know. She also likes to brush up on her guitar skills.