Margaret Heritage

Undergraduate Student, Aeronautical and 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.

I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University, with minors in Spanish and Global Engineering Studies. I am primarily interested in studying propulsion, and I have gained experience through active participation in Dr. Li Qiao’s Propulsion and Energy Research Lab at Zucrow Laboratories. In this research lab, I explore innovative solutions for sustainable aviation and energy projects. Additionally, I completed my first rotation as a Propulsion Research Engineer Intern through a three-session co-op with Innovative Scientific Solutions, Inc. during the Summer of 2024. This incredible experience allowed me to gain practical knowledge in aerospace engineering applications and propulsion.

What made you want to join the Leading Women Toward Space Careers program?

I joined the Leading Women Toward Space Careers program to connect with experienced mentors,
learn about different career paths, and build relationships with other women aspiring to work in the
aerospace industry. As a member of the Women in Engineering Leadership Team, I recognize that
participating in a mentorship circle with prominent women in space careers, along with fellow students,
offers an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. I am excited to have the
opportunity to engage in mentorship and attend events where I can explore various careers in the
aerospace industry and establish connections.

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?)

After graduation, I would like to work in sustainable aviation or sustainable space travel. Specifically, I
aspire to contribute to the design of environmentally friendly propulsion systems in space applications.
While my current focus is on sustainable aviation and space travel, I am open to exploring other career
paths within the aerospace industry.