February 17, 2025
Aerospace engineering major Heavyn Porter is among 44 women across the globe selected for a 2025 Brooke Owens Fellowship, which recognizes exceptional undergraduate women and other gender minorities studying aerospace engineering. Fellows are paired with space and aviation companies where they complete an internship. The program also offers senior mentorship and a lifelong professional network.
The Class of 2025 “Brookie” fellows are the ninth class to date. The program received over 400 applications from promising and talented students spanning Ivy League universities, major research universities, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), liberal arts colleges, community colleges and major international universities.
Porter joins eight Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics recipients from past years. Learn more about Porter, including why she chose to study aerospace at UT Austin, her upcoming internship and more.
Why did you choose to study aerospace, and why at UT Austin?
Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be an inventor. Paired with my idea of playtime — testing different types of paper airplane models in my backyard — my passion for aerospace felt like a natural fit. I suppose the saying “our name is our virtue” resonated with me more than I realized. UT Austin stood out, not just for its strong aerospace program, but for the culture of innovation, ambition and community it fosters. I wanted to be part of an environment that challenges me to push boundaries, collaborate with brilliant minds and turn ideas into reality.
Where will you be doing your Brookie internship?
I am beyond excited to be interning with SES Space & Defense over the summer in Washington D.C.! They made a fantastic impression on me during all the interviews, and I can’t wait to see how I can contribute, learn and grow there.
How do you think this internship will help shape your future career?
This internship is a true launchpad for my growth. Not only will it give me experience, but it will also provide a high-altitude perspective on the many facets of the aerospace industry, helping me navigate where I can make the most impact. I'm excited to explore the many potential trajectories of my future career. (Puns intended.)
Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular student team projects at UT.
As a recent external transfer, I’m eager to immerse myself in the many aerospace-related extracurriculars UT has to offer — one of the key reasons I chose to come here. I've already had the opportunity to connect with the incredible members of WIALD (Women in Aerospace for Leadership Development) and I’m excited to explore other opportunities like the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab (TREL) and the Texas Spacecraft Lab (TSL) in the coming year!
What advice would you offer to young people interested in pursuing a STEM degree?
Because my journey to get here came full circle in such an unexpected way, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t deserving of my accomplishments — that I wasn’t “good enough.” I know this is a common sentiment among young people, especially those who have had to push through adversity. I would let them know that their unique strengths and perseverance really do matter. You are deserving of so much. You are more than good enough. Particularly in STEM, those qualities you’ve garnered will take you further than you ever imagined, even when their impact isn’t explicitly shown.
