Juanitta ”AJ” Bekoe

• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2022

• Syracuse University, Aerospace Engineering, ‘24

• Host Institution: Ball Aerospace

An avid space enthusiast and STEM education advocate, Juanitta “AJ” Bekoe is a second-year student at Syracuse University majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics. Inspired by the final Space Shuttle program missions throughout elementary school, AJ has set her sights on becoming an astronaut. In high school, she joined her robotics club and competed in various competition programs throughout her four years. FIRST Robotics, in particular, was her catalyst into engineering and mechanical design, with the team winning a regional Rookie All-Star award, competing in World Championships in Spring 2018, and later being elected co-president in Fall 2018. Her team's mission has been to change the community’s culture to one that emphasizes advancement in technology and STEM education for all students through outreach, educational programs, and volunteer efforts - many of which AJ had co-facilitated until graduation. Her leadership and experience have helped her achieve her goals thus far and attend Syracuse as a FIRST Robotics Scholar. Continuing her passion for STEM education, AJ currently works part-time as a Senior Peer Coach for the Physics Department. There, she helps students taking general physics and introductory astronomy courses learn in a supportive and community-based environment that fosters an understanding of how the universe behaves and its many applications. In addition, she is a student ambassador for the engineering college, the ECS Excelerators, where she assists in undergraduate recruitment. AJ is involved with many organizations at SU - both STEM and non-STEM. She is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers chapter, as well as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics chapter. She is also a member of Citrus Racing - the college’s Formula 1 Team as part of the Society of Automotive Engineers, where she is a member of the Aerodynamics sub-team. Outside of engineering, she is a dancer and choreographer for Creations Dance Company - the first student dance organization founded on campus by 10 African-American women - specializing in multiple dance styles. This spring semester commemorates their 44th year as a dance team. AJ plans to continue onto the 4+1 Masters Program for a Masters of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering following her senior year. She will be hosted this summer at Ball Aerospace in Colorado as a Systems Engineering Intern.