Embry-Riddle Student's Journey to Securing Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

For Jesika Geliga-Torres (’24), her journey in aerospace engineering stemmed from a combination of childhood fascination and a love for problem-solving. 

“Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was always inspired by the possibility of exploring unknown worlds,” she said. “I was captivated by space exploration and aviation, so the idea of contributing to advancements in these fields has been a driving force behind my pursuit of aerospace engineering. ” 

Jesika's passion for aerospace was ignited during high school by participating in STEM programs and competitions despite the limited opportunities for studying aerospace engineering in Puerto Rico. Jesika decided to pursue her passion by moving away from home to earn a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

Finding Community

Jesika learned about Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus  through research and a recommendation from her high school advisor.

“Before applying, I came to visit the campus, and experiencing the vibrant aerospace community confirmed my decision to become an Eagle,” she said. “The opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to aerospace innovation and excellence was incredibly inspiring. I knew that Embry-Riddle was where I wanted to pursue my education.”

Driven by the university's esteemed reputation,  immersive learning environment and strong industry connections, Jesika was instantly drawn to the comprehensive aerospace programs and state-of-the-art facilities. 

“I want to emphasize how proud I am to come from Puerto Rico. My cultural heritage is an integral part of who I am, and it has shaped my perspective and values in profound ways,” she said. 

“Moving to Florida four years ago was a monumental step for me, and it required a considerable amount of resilience and hard work. Learning to navigate a new educational system, immerse myself in a different language and adjust to a new cultural environment presented unique challenges, but I am incredibly grateful for the growth and opportunities that have come from this experience.”

She knew that becoming an Eagle would open doors to endless possibilities and that it was the right path for her. 

Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

Jesika is among four Aerospace Engineering students from Embry-Riddle who have been selected to receive a 2024 Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, which guarantees paid internships at leading institutions, professional mentorship and grants of $2,500 or more.

“Being selected as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow was an incredible honor and a validating experience. It felt like a recognition of not just my academic achievements but also my dedication to overcoming systemic biases in the aerospace industry,” she explained. “It also felt like an inspiration and further validation that my hard work is paying off. It's truly an honor to be part of a program that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in aerospace careers.”

The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship program’s mission is to provide a meaningful, effective pathway into successful aerospace careers and future aerospace industry leadership to people whose race and ethnicity have made them subject to systemic bias.

Navigating the Industry

For Jesika, securing the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship holds profound personal significance. This fellowship represents far more than just a prestigious award — it stands as validation of her unwavering perseverance and determination to succeed despite obstacles.

“As a Latina woman in aerospace engineering, I've often faced challenges and biases that come with being underrepresented in this field,” she revealed. “I feel like I have had to work harder to get to where I am and to obtain the confidence and strength that I have in my abilities today, which makes me that much more grateful and proud of myself.”

As Jesika embarks on an exciting journey in the aerospace industry, she has learned that her fellowship will include an internship at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, among many other opportunities.

“It's incredibly thrilling to know that I'll be gaining hands-on career experiences at such a prestigious aerospace company. I hope to immerse myself in various projects related to deep space exploration and astrodynamics, leveraging the skills and knowledge I've gained through my research using augmented reality for trajectory design,” she said. “I'm eager to learn as much as I can and contribute meaningfully to the innovative work being done at this company.”

By overcoming challenges, Jesika has not only achieved personal and professional success but is also leading the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry. 

Opportunities Awaits

Beyond the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and the internship with Lockheed Martin, Jesika plans to return to Embry-Riddle in the fall to earn her M.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on dynamics and controls. Her goal is to pursue a career in aerospace engineering that allows her to make meaningful contributions to the field while advocating for diversity and inclusion.

“My dream job is to work on innovative projects that push the boundaries of space exploration and contribute to advancements in aerospace technology. I am particularly interested in deep space exploration.”

With her sights set on becoming a leader in aerospace, Jesika aims not only to leave her mark on the industry but also to inspire future generations of diverse aerospace professionals, shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for space exploration. 

To read more on previous student accomplishments, visit Embry‑Riddle’s Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships and apply today!