March 2, 2021

Joshua Kennedy Davis, a first-year aerospace engineering major from Dallas, TX, is one of 43 Black undergraduate students across the nation selected for the inaugural Class of 2021 Patti Grace Smith Fellows. The non-profit program, created in 2020, aims to help bring diversity to the U.S. aerospace industry and offers a paid internship at a leading aerospace engineering firm, mentorship and a cash award. Students are carefully chosen for the fellowship after a three-round selection process by aerospace industry professionals, rising star early career employees and corporate employers. Texas ASE/EM associate professor Moriba Jah will serve as Davis’ mentor throughout the internship. Learn more about Davis’ interest in aerospace and what he plans to do with the fellowship.

photo of joshua davis in front of ase bulidng

Why did you choose to study aerospace engineering?

I knew I wanted to study aerospace engineering ever since I was in 4th grade. I was absolutely obsessed with airplanes. But over the years my interest has shifted more towards astronautics. I see the aerospace industry as synonymous with the future of humanity. Our story beyond Earth cannot be written without aerospace engineers. I really want to be a part of that story. Furthermore, it has been a dream of mine to become an astronaut.

What internship will you be doing as part of the Patti Grace Smith program?

Over the summer I will be working with the Space Systems team at Airbus U.S. Space and Defense.

How do you think this experience will help shape your future career?

Despite always knowing I wanted to go into aerospace engineering, I never knew what to specialize in or what it is really like to be an engineer. This internship will allow me to explore one of my options and experience the industry.

Are you involved with any student organizations or hands-on student projects?

I am a part of the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab’s outreach team. I am also trying to build a pulse jet engine with a group of other aerospace engineering students.