Today we welcome Mia Arndt as Voyager’s Brooke Owens Fellowship intern, affectionately known as our “Brookie,” for this year. Hailing from Sikeston, Missouri, Mia is currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mathematics at Saint Louis University. Her journey to Voyager Space is marked by a passion for academics, a thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the aerospace industry.
Q: Introduce yourself, where you are from, where you go to school, what you are studying, clubs etc.
A: My name is Mia Arndt, I’m originally from Sikeston, Missouri, and I go to Saint Louis University. I’m studying Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mathematics. At SLU, I work with the AirCRAFT Lab where our primary goal is leveraging the advantages of Unmanned Aerial Systems. In addition to my work in the lab, I’m the Technology Chair for my sorority. Last semester I studied abroad in Madrid, and just a few months in Spain sparked a newfound love for travel. In my free time I’m a big reader, and I love to build Legos any time I can afford a new set.
Q: What drew you to space?
A: I’ve always known that I wanted to apply myself in a field where I could combine my love for academics and my desire to make a positive impact. Curiosity, big headlines about the aerospace industry, and a book about quantum physics created the perfect storm during my freshman year of college, and before I knew it, I had changed my major.
Q: What excites you the most about joining the space workforce?
A: Space offers endless opportunities for discovery. I never want to plateau in my field or reach a point where I “know all that there is to know.” The space workforce is boiling over with new projects and ideas every day – to be a part of something so much larger than myself with limitless potential is all I’ve ever wanted.
Q: What drew you to Voyager Space?
A: Voyager had me at “Humanity Unbound.” On the brink of a huge shift in the aerospace industry and in our society, it is vitally important to recognize the value of sustainability and diversity. Space is for every person and every person is impacted by space. Voyager’s practice of enabling innovation while understanding the responsibility that comes with it aligns perfectly with my personal philosophy.
Q: What do you hope to learn during your time with Voyager?
A: I am eager to contribute and learn in any way that I can. I’ve always been a sponge for knowledge and I’m excited to learn from professionals, whether that be academics or industry experience. Classroom knowledge is important, but only when you pair it with wisdom and experience can you reach your greatest potential.
Q: How do you envision the future of space exploration? What does the next decade look like to you?
A: As interest in exploration is revitalized in younger generations and access to space exponentially grows, the commercialization of space will take the world by storm. Technology will advance faster than ever, and space will serve as a resource to better life on Earth. The next decade looks like discovery, growth, and innovation. I am thrilled to be a part of what is to come.
Q: Is there anything else you want to share?
I am extremely grateful to the Brooke Owens Fellowship for connecting me with Voyager Space. I’m very excited for this summer and beyond!
Join us in welcoming Mia Arndt to the Voyager Space family. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and boundless possibilities.