• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2025

• Harvey Mudd College, (General) Engineering, ‘26

• Host Institution: Space Capital

• Mentor: TBD

• Brookie Mentor: TBD

McKenna McMurray is a junior at Harvey Mudd College, majoring in General Engineering. Inspired at a young age of science fiction’s vision of space exploration, she is passionate about advancing humanity’s efforts to establish a permanent presence beyond Earth—from LEO to the Moon and Mars. Her work is driven by a belief in the power of science, human ingenuity, and resilience.

Her fascination with space exploration, particularly LEO, lunar architecture, and Mars missions, has shaped her career aspirations. At the 39th Space Symposium, she served as a master moderator for discussions on increasing LEO industry capacity and the intersection of space and climate change. These experiences deepened her understanding of the critical role policy and investment play in advancing space technologies. This summer, McKenna will join Space Capital to analyze emerging technologies and their potential to drive meaningful progress in the aerospace sector while bridging industry, academia, and government.

McKenna’s professional experience includes working as a Systems Engineer intern for Lockheed Martin Space in Internal Research and Development and on projects within the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Center. In the summer of 2024, she contributed to software systems testing for the Orion Module’s Displays & Controls, supporting integration and verification for the Artemis 2 mission at Johnson Space Center. Through Harvey Mudd’s Clinic Program, McKenna collaborated with Blue Origin as an Engineering Consultant, designing an Umbilical Release Mechanism (URM) concept for the New Glenn project to optimize mechanical efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. She also brings hands-on design and manufacturing expertise as a Shop Proctor at HMC.

On campus, McKenna holds leadership roles, including Class of 2026 President of the Associated Students of Harvey Mudd, President National Society of Black Engineer HMC Chapter, and a member of the Taskforce for HMC Clinic & Corporate Partnerships. In 2023, she was honored as a Patti Grace Smith Fellow.

In her free time, McKenna is working towards her private pilot license, traveling, embroidering, and running.