• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2024

• University of Notre Dame, Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Design, ‘24

• Host Institution: K2 Space

• Mentor: Lauren Lyons

• Brookie Mentor: Ava Badii

Davina Russell is a senior at the University of Notre Dame pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Design. Davina's passion for aerospace was kindled as a child when the roar of airplanes flying overhead would captivate her, sparking a deep fascination with the mechanics of flight. This curiosity extended into her creative endeavors, as she crafted makeshift spaceships and helicopters from cereal boxes or whatever she could find at the time, laying the groundwork for her future in aerospace engineering.

The realization that aerospace engineering could harness this fascination into a tangible career path was a defining moment for Davina. She embraced this field with the determination to not only fulfill her own dreams but also to honor the sacrifices her mother made for her education and opportunities. As a first-gen student, every achievement in her academic and professional journey is a tribute to her family's unwavering support and a step towards leaving an indelible mark in the aerospace sector.

Hailing from the vibrant town of Portmore, Jamaica, Davina's academic journey is a hands-on approach to learning, evident from her involvement in the Notre Dame Rocketry Team, where Davina has been instrumental in developing recovery systems that ensure the safety and success of rocket launches. Additionally, during her leadership in the Design Build Fly, she enjoyed guiding new members through complex design and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, in her work with EnableND, she designed prosthetics to serve users and meet specific needs.

Her work is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, striving to ensure that her designs not only meet functional needs but also resonate with a diverse range of users. With a heart set on serving others, she skillfully merges multiple disciplines, applying her knowledge in a user-centered and evidence-based manner.

Davina's leadership extends beyond the technical realm. As the president of the Caribbean Student Association, she has been a vibrant force, fostering cultural growth and exchange. In her role as a mentor for the Fighting Irish Scholars and Transformational Leaders Scholar programs, Davina commits to uplifting others, and guiding underclassmen through their academic and personal journeys.

Looking forward, Davina hopes to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry. Her experiences have not only shaped her technical expertise but have also refined her vision for the future. Her time as Station1 fellow in the class of 2023 has profoundly shaped her approach to innovation and social responsibility in the field of aerospace. This prestigious fellowship not only equipped Davina with cutting-edge technological insights but also instilled in her a deep commitment to ethical leadership, research and inclusive innovation. She envisions creating pathways that not only propel individuals from the Caribbean into the forefront of aerospace but also ensure that their journey is marked by the principles of equity and collaborative progress.

Davina's aspiration is not only to excel in her own right but to elevate those around her, continuously working to enhance the human experience through user-centered and accessible design. As she stands on the cusp of graduation, Davina is not just ready to take on the world; she is ready to reshape it.