Natalie Hahn
Aerospace Engineering Student/Engineering Stress Intern
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - We are one of the US's best aerospace engineering schools, where we learn how to build air vehicles like planes and rockets! Spirit AeroSystems - We build several different types of aircraft parts. We are the world's largest first-tier aerostructures company!
For my job, I look at what type of forces and stress the airplane part will be going through and figure out if it will break or not. If it does, it's my job to figure out how we may be able to improve it.
It's challenging - every single day presents something new that I have to accomplish or figure out. It's also a TON of fun to test the airplane parts and see how it will break!
I use lots of different software to make predictions on how a part will break. I also work with a design team to create or change the design of a part. Sometimes I'll go to a lab and actually run a physical test to see how the part breaks in real life!
I come from a non-STEM background - I had no STEM exposure in high school. I went to college and began pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. While there, I worked hard to get hands-on experience and get a good GPA. I then applied fo the internship and was accepted!
When I graduate in the next year, I'll become a structural engineer full time. I'm hoping to end up on the Board of Directors for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and start my Graduate degree at some point!
One of my big loves is music - I always have it on! I'm also an avid reader and writer, and I paint when I can. I also love talking to students about STEM and volunteering with SWE!
"The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."~ Mark Twain