• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2025

• Penn State, Aerospace Engineering, ‘26

• Host Institution: Airbus U.S. Space and Defense

• Mentor: TBD

• Brookie Mentor: TBD

Alexandria Rhoads is a dedicated junior at Penn State University, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, complemented by minors in Women’s Studies and Information Sciences and Technology for Aerospace Engineers. As a researcher at the Aerial Robotics and Interactions Laboratory, Alex’s work focuses on advancing dynamic path planning and optimization for unmanned aerial vehicles, with a particular interest in autonomous systems for aerospace and defense applications.

In addition to their research, Alex is a passionate advocate for empowering women in engineering. As an active leader in the Women in Engineering Program (WEP), they organize events that foster mentorship, professional development, and community for incoming female students, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive in their academic careers.

Alex also serves as the President of both the Penn State Advanced Vehicle Team, where they lead a project to transform a Chevy Bolt into an autonomous vehicle, and the Penn State Shell Eco-Marathon Team, which is dedicated to designing and manufacturing ultra-efficient vehicles, achieving over 800 mpg. Through these roles, Alex is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and leadership within the field of engineering.

A distinguished scholar in the Schreyer Honors College and a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, Alex has earned recognition for academic excellence, including both the President Walker and President Sparks Awards. Outside of their academic and leadership pursuits, Alex enjoys being involved in theater, playing the saxophone, and spending time with friends, embodying a well-rounded and driven approach to life.