Blake Shepherd

Background

About Blake Shepherd

I am a senior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Space Exploration. I am passionate about the use of novel technologies to push humanity to new sectors of space. I draw from several experiences to solve problems in creative ways. My education is a mix of engineering disciplines in the School of Engineering and physics-based disciplines in the School of Sciences. Through this delicate balance, I have learned the importance of viewing problems from different angles and approaches to find the best solution. Working at The Aerospace Corporation's Vehicle Design and Innovation Department was a great opportunity to work directly on the system-level design of groundbreaking space technologies. On the other hand, my previous experience at Raytheon Technologies in the Intelligence and Space division allowed me the opportunity to interact and work with professional engineering teams at an early stage of my career on a testing team. This past summer my work at Millennium Space Systems gave me the chance to work on mechanical design for the structures team of a satellite. These three summer experiences gave me insight into the mission design, subsystem unit design, and testing stages of building a space-rated vehicle. My passion for exploring novel technologies has encouraged me to pursue graduate school after completing my undergraduate education. I have conducted research with the AeroAstro Department at MIT and within the School of Engineering at the University of Sannio in Italy. I look forward to expanding my research within the aerospace industry in the future. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a career in the space industry to engineer solutions to make this planet - and others - better for everyone.