Sheila Xu

Background

About Sheila Xu

Hello! My career spans scientific research, policy, business, and a strong commitment to accessibility. I also hold both a United States and European Union (Italy) citizenship.In STEM, I specialize in the intersection of human space exploration and accessibility, including multimodal communication in human space exploration missions to create alternative communication methods and tools. I strongly believe human space exploration missions can be made accessible to all humans, regardless of their ability or disability. One of my personal and professional goals is to touch space and become a (deaf) astronaut - starting with my commercial analog astronaut training, flying on zero-gravity parabolic flights to run experiments with my AstroAccess crew, and searching for opportunities to put my creativity and talent to best use to push the envelope of what's possible in human space exploration activities.I was an instructor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice and a Fulbright researcher on deaf entrepreneurship in Italy, which led me to live in Italy for over five years. I have previously interned at NASA JPL, the Department of Transportation, and then earned my pilot license in 2021 - making me the first deaf Asian female pilot in history! As an alumna of Harvard Kennedy School and Wharton in public policy and business (Class of 2024), and an MIT graduate (Class of 2014), I combine my lived experiences as a Deaf woman and STEM background with policy and business insights, and a passion for accessibility.This unique mix drives my mission to innovate at the nexus of technology, science, policy, and business, while challenging misconceptions about the capabilities of deaf people and people with disabilities. How We Can Work Together:• Consulting on accessibility and innovation for aerospace, aviation, and STEM, including science communication and education• Research and strategy for human exploration missions and crew design• Public speaking on my personal journey, deaf and disability inclusion, intentional design, and space exploration (See details: https://speaking.sheilaxu.com/)• Brand partnerships and collaborations• Media, panel, and event collaborationsInterested? Message me here or at hello@sheilaxu.com