SEDS-USA Leadership
Our student board sets the direction for the organization, with a strong emphasis on tackling what matters to our members.
Isabella Morter, Chair:
Texas A&M University
Isabella is an advocate for accessible space education, a vocal science communicator, and a champion for interdisciplinary student opportunity. Isabella’s commitment to modeling the SEDS USA values of excellence, inclusion, and passion in the space industry is the driving force behind her leadership efforts as Chair of the Board of Directors. In this position, Isabella works to cultivate meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders, guide the Board’s decision-making and strategy development, and consistently and thoughtfully represent all SEDS student members and their chapters across the nation. Through these endeavors, Isabella is helping to position SEDS USA as a key organization in the development of the next generation of space exploration.
Trevor Darr, Vice-Chair:
Duke University
Trevor is a second-year student at Duke University studying Political Science and Physics. Trevor currently works in the Space Exploration Project Group of the Space Generation Advisory Council and is heavily involved in the Duke Space Diplomacy Lab and American Grand Strategy Program, focusing on sustainable space policy and the defense sector.
Arielle Misra, Council of Chapters Chair:
Duke University
Arielle is a first-year student at Duke University planning to study Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a minor in German. Her interests center around creating sample collection devices for planetary and lunar research and developing long-term satellites to continue interstellar exploration. She is a member of the Duke SEDS engineering branch and aims to foster community and increase accessibility for SEDS USA programs.
Camila Roman, Secretary:
Florida State University
Camila is a fourth year Biochemistry student, with accompanying minors in Astrophysics and Data Analysis. They are intent on pursuing a career in aerospace medicine, facilitating solution-driven research for long-term astronaut health. Outside of space, Camila serves as the Executive Director for The Big Event Tallahassee, a city wide community service initiative. Camila aims to increase inter-chapter communication within SEDS to encourage peer-driven collaboration within the space industry.
Samantha Stein, Treasurer:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Samantha is a fourth year Aerospace Engineering student with a concentration in Rocket Propulsion and a minor in Space Operations. Samantha has been a part of Embry-Riddle’s SEDS chapter since she first came to the university, as a part of the solid rocket motor manufacturing division and is the current club treasurer. She is interested in rocket propulsion, manufacturing, and hardware to further human science and exploration efforts in space. She hopes to provide more opportunities for SEDS students through hands-on workshops with space industry professionals and providing more funds to chapters.
Ansh Patel, Member at Large:
Texas A&M University
Ansh is a second-year aerospace engineering student at Texas A&M University. He is interested in pursuing a career in developing space systems for long-term human or robotic missions, as well as rocket propulsion systems. He is also involved in the local Texas A&M SEDS Chapter and works to coordinate between different design teams. He aims to enhance educational outreach efforts within SEDS to stimulate interest in space exploration and facilitate responsible space policy.
Ian Mathew, Member at Large:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Ian is currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in astronautics. Ian has been involved with his university’s SEDS chapter since he was a freshman, working on two major projects before being elected secretary. Upon graduation, Ian hopes to enter the space industry, designing next-generation vehicles for space exploration. As a board member, Ian hopes to develop opportunities for collaboration between SEDS members and chapters as well as to help support the organization of SEDS.
Meet the team of students and young professionals that make the SEDS mission happen.
SpaceVision Digital Media Lead
Mt. San Antonio
Volunteer positions support staff in projects to push initiatives along. Volunteer positions generally last one semester and are a great first step into obtaining experience within a national non-profit.
Projects Planner
Rose-Hulman SEDS
Through their expert advising, this board helps guide SEDS into long-term impact.
Barrett S. Caldwell
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF ADVISORS
Professor of IE (AAE, by courtesy) at Purdue
Director of NASA Indiana Space Grant Consortium
William Pomerantz
Head of Space Ventures
AeroVironment
Dr. Tanya Harrison
Co-Founder and CEO
Earth and Planetary Institute of Canada
Therese Jones
Senior Policy Advisor
NASA
Hannah Kerner
Assistant Professor
Arizona State University
Former SEDS-USA Chair
Carlos G. Niederstrasser
Systems Architect
Northrop Grumman
Former SEDS-USA Vice Chair
Bradley Cheetham
Board of Trustees
CEO
Advanced Space
John Conafay
Co-founder and CEO
Integrated Space
Former SEDS-USA Executive Director
Rachel Lyons
Founder EarthRise Leadership
Chris Lewicki
CEO
Planetary Resources
Former SEDS-USA Chair
Kris Lehnhardt
Senior Faculty
Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine
Ryan McLinko
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Co-Founder and CTO
Astranis
Former SEDS MIT Chair
Mike Mongo
Author of The Astronaut Instruction Manual
Former SEDS-USA Member-At-Large
Dave Fischer
The SEDS alumni comprising this board provide near-peer advising while integrating the exceptional talent we foster.
Owen Marr
CHAIR OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Juan De La Garza
Our student board sets the direction for the organization, with a strong emphasis on tackling what matters to our members.
Isabella Morter, Chair:
Texas A&M University
Isabella is an advocate for accessible space education, a vocal science communicator, and a champion for interdisciplinary student opportunity. Isabella’s commitment to modeling the SEDS USA values of excellence, inclusion, and passion in the space industry is the driving force behind her leadership efforts as Chair of the Board of Directors. In this position, Isabella works to cultivate meaningful partnerships with industry stakeholders, guide the Board’s decision-making and strategy development, and consistently and thoughtfully represent all SEDS student members and their chapters across the nation. Through these endeavors, Isabella is helping to position SEDS USA as a key organization in the development of the next generation of space exploration.
Trevor Darr, Vice-Chair:
Duke University
Trevor is a second-year student at Duke University studying Political Science and Physics. Trevor currently works in the Space Exploration Project Group of the Space Generation Advisory Council and is heavily involved in the Duke Space Diplomacy Lab and American Grand Strategy Program, focusing on sustainable space policy and the defense sector.
Arielle Misra, Council of Chapters Chair:
Duke University
Arielle is a first-year student at Duke University planning to study Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a minor in German. Her interests center around creating sample collection devices for planetary and lunar research and developing long-term satellites to continue interstellar exploration. She is a member of the Duke SEDS engineering branch and aims to foster community and increase accessibility for SEDS USA programs.
Camila Roman, Secretary:
Florida State University
Camila is a fourth year Biochemistry student, with accompanying minors in Astrophysics and Data Analysis. They are intent on pursuing a career in aerospace medicine, facilitating solution-driven research for long-term astronaut health. Outside of space, Camila serves as the Executive Director for The Big Event Tallahassee, a city wide community service initiative. Camila aims to increase inter-chapter communication within SEDS to encourage peer-driven collaboration within the space industry.
Samantha Stein, Treasurer:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Samantha is a fourth year Aerospace Engineering student with a concentration in Rocket Propulsion and a minor in Space Operations. Samantha has been a part of Embry-Riddle’s SEDS chapter since she first came to the university, as a part of the solid rocket motor manufacturing division and is the current club treasurer. She is interested in rocket propulsion, manufacturing, and hardware to further human science and exploration efforts in space. She hopes to provide more opportunities for SEDS students through hands-on workshops with space industry professionals and providing more funds to chapters.
Ansh Patel, Member at Large:
Texas A&M University
Ansh is a second-year aerospace engineering student at Texas A&M University. He is interested in pursuing a career in developing space systems for long-term human or robotic missions, as well as rocket propulsion systems. He is also involved in the local Texas A&M SEDS Chapter and works to coordinate between different design teams. He aims to enhance educational outreach efforts within SEDS to stimulate interest in space exploration and facilitate responsible space policy.
Ian Mathew, Member at Large:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Ian is currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in astronautics. Ian has been involved with his university’s SEDS chapter since he was a freshman, working on two major projects before being elected secretary. Upon graduation, Ian hopes to enter the space industry, designing next-generation vehicles for space exploration. As a board member, Ian hopes to develop opportunities for collaboration between SEDS members and chapters as well as to help support the organization of SEDS.
Meet the team of students and young professionals that make the SEDS mission happen.
SpaceVision Digital Media Lead
Mt. San Antonio
Volunteer positions support staff in projects to push initiatives along. Volunteer positions generally last one semester and are a great first step into obtaining experience within a national non-profit.
Projects Planner
Rose-Hulman SEDS
Through their expert advising, this board helps guide SEDS into long-term impact.
Barrett S. Caldwell
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF ADVISORS
Professor of IE (AAE, by courtesy) at Purdue
Director of NASA Indiana Space Grant Consortium
William Pomerantz
Head of Space Ventures
AeroVironment
Dr. Tanya Harrison
Co-Founder and CEO
Earth and Planetary Institute of Canada
Therese Jones
Senior Policy Advisor
NASA
Hannah Kerner
Assistant Professor
Arizona State University
Former SEDS-USA Chair
Carlos G. Niederstrasser
Systems Architect
Northrop Grumman
Former SEDS-USA Vice Chair
Bradley Cheetham
Board of Trustees
CEO
Advanced Space
John Conafay
Co-founder and CEO
Integrated Space
Former SEDS-USA Executive Director
Rachel Lyons
Founder EarthRise Leadership
Chris Lewicki
CEO
Planetary Resources
Former SEDS-USA Chair
Kris Lehnhardt
Senior Faculty
Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine
Ryan McLinko
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Co-Founder and CTO
Astranis
Former SEDS MIT Chair
Mike Mongo
Author of The Astronaut Instruction Manual
Former SEDS-USA Member-At-Large
Dave Fischer
The SEDS alumni comprising this board provide near-peer advising while integrating the exceptional talent we foster.
Owen Marr
CHAIR OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Juan De La Garza
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