Cheryl Laprade

Background

About Cheryl Laprade

I’m a Space Systems Management graduate student at Florida Tech with a passion for protecting people, systems, and missions in the aerospace industry. Through my current work in Safety Engineering and Industrial Hygiene at Kennedy Space Center, I’ve been supporting spaceflight by ensuring that people, environments, equipment, and operations are safe and mission-ready. My background in meteorology gives me a strong foundation in environmental risk assessment, and my graduate coursework blends technical subjects like spacecraft environments and propulsion systems with business and project management—giving me a systems-level view of how safety is integral to managing complex aerospace programs. I’m especially interested in work related to safety, mission assurance, launch support, and operations management, where I can apply my technical knowledge, analytical mindset, and communication skills to support human spaceflight and exploration goals. Beyond the technical side, I love being part of the aerospace community. I have served as Communications Chair for AIAA Cape Canaveral, Regional Coordinator for Space Happy Hour (Space Coast, FL), and an Ambassador for give her….SPACE—roles that allowed me to foster connection, share knowledge, and help build a more inclusive and collaborative space industry. Let’s connect if you’d like to talk safety, spaceport operations, or opportunities in the field—I’m always excited to meet fellow space professionals!