The Brooke Owens Fellowship is a prestigious program established in 2017 to honor the legacy of Dawn Brooke Owens, an American pilot and space policy expert who made significant contributions to the aerospace industry before her untimely passing in 2016. The fellowship aims to empower exceptional undergraduate women and gender minorities by providing them with paid internships, executive mentorship, and a robust professional network within the aerospace sector. ([en.wikipedia.org](
Overview of the Fellowship
Each year, the Brooke Owens Fellowship selects a cohort of undergraduate students through a rigorous application process that evaluates their academic achievements, leadership qualities, creative abilities, and commitment to their communities. The selected fellows are matched with mentors from leading aerospace organizations, offering them invaluable guidance and support as they embark on their careers in aviation and space exploration. ([brookeowensfellowship.org](
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 marked the seventh cohort of "Brookie" Fellows, comprising 47 students chosen from nearly 1,000 applicants worldwide. These fellows represented a diverse array of academic institutions, including Ivy League universities, major research universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and international universities. The selection process was highly competitive, involving written and creative submissions, interviews with the fellowship's leadership team, and discussions with aerospace employers across various sectors. ([brookeowensfellowship.org](
Notable Fellows and Their Internships
Among the distinguished members of the Class of 2023 were:
- Urvi Alamela: A third-year aerospace engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin, Alamela was selected for a Systems Engineering Internship in the Advanced Development Program at Blue Origin. ([ae.utexas.edu](
- Shireen Dooling: An astrophysics student and staff member at Arizona State University, Dooling secured an internship with NASA, reflecting her dedication to space exploration. ([news.asu.edu](
- Akshara Kuduvalli: A computer engineering student at the University of California, San Diego, Kuduvalli was named a Brooke Owens Fellow, highlighting her interest in the intersection of engineering and aerospace. ([today.ucsd.edu](
- Caitlin O'Brien: A fourth-year undergraduate at The Ohio State University majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics, O'Brien was selected for the fellowship, underscoring her commitment to space science. ([astronomy.osu.edu](
- Jolene Lee: A graduate of South Pasadena High School and a sophomore at Stanford University, Lee was among the 47 fellows selected for the Class of 2023, reflecting her academic excellence and passion for aerospace. ([southpasadenan.com](
Impact and Legacy
Since its inception, the Brooke Owens Fellowship has made a significant impact on the aerospace industry by fostering diversity and inclusion. As of 2024, the fellowship has selected over 300 students across eight cohorts, with fellows contributing to various sectors, including engineering, scientific research, policy, journalism, and entrepreneurship. The program's success has also led to the creation of spin-off fellowships, such as the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, which provides internships and mentorship to undergraduate Black students of all genders. ([static1.squarespace.com](
The annual Brooke Owens Fellowship Summit, held during the Future Space Conference in Washington, D.C., serves as a platform for fellows to network, share experiences, and engage with leaders in the aerospace community. This event, along with the mentorship and internships provided, plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation of leaders in the aerospace industry. ([en.wikipedia.org](
Through its commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent among women and gender minorities, the Brooke Owens Fellowship continues to honor the memory of its namesake by contributing to a more inclusive and innovative aerospace sector. The Class of 2023 exemplifies the program's dedication to empowering individuals who are poised to make meaningful contributions to the field of aerospace. ([brookeowensfellowship.org](
Sources
- Brooke Owens Fellowship — Class of 2023 —
- Brooke Owens Fellowship — 2023 Annual Report —
- Brooke Owens Fellowship — Our Fellows —
- Brooke Owens Fellowship — Our Team —
- Brooke Owens Fellowship — Annual Report 2023 —