Lipi Roy
Graduate Student, Aerospace Systems (Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering)
What are you are studying/what you are interested in studying and/or researching while at Purdue? If you have done internships or other applicable experiences, feel free to include them here.
My primary research interest is in improving human accessibility to space. I feel accessibility will fuel exploration and ultimately space resource utilization. To that end, I am working on optimizing the resilience of extra-terrestrial habitats as a PhD student in the school of Aeronautics & Astronautics. Resilience is the ability of the habitat to quickly recover from any disruptions, which result from the harsh and unpredictable conditions of space. A resilient habitat would mean a way safer astronaut experience.
Additionally, last December, I was also a part of Crew-288 to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), an astronaut simulation program in Utah. Here, my work centered around nutritional space foods for astronauts.
Before joining Purdue in 2022, I was a Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for three years, where I worked on the Crew module systems for the Human Space Mission of India. I have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Space Science in Technology, India and a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue.
What made you want to join the Leading Women Toward Space Careers program?
I see this program as a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. I hope to gain guidance and wisdom from experienced women who have excelled in the space industry. I believe that their stories could provide me with insights into the diverse challenges women encounter in the space sector, as well as valuable advice on navigating its complexities, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities. I also feel that their perspectives could serve as a source of inspiration for me, helping me towards my goal of making space more accessible to humans.
Secondly, engaging with fellow women students in the mentorship circle could provide a unique peer support network. The sharing of experiences, challenges, and aspirations could not only build a sense of camaraderie, but also give me an opportunity as a graduate student (with aerospace work experience) to share my knowledge with others.
Finally, I feel that this program has the potential to broaden my professional network, connecting me with potential collaborators in the space industry.
What area would you like to work in after graduation? (What career path, interests, opportunities, etc., would you like to accomplish? What field are you interested in?)
Beyond my personal research goals, I am also motivated by an ambition to inspire others towards advancing humanity as a multi-planetary species. I aim to achieve these goals by pursuing a career in academia, where I can guide the next generation of aerospace researchers.
