We’re fortunate to have a talented crew of interns joining us at Quantum Space this summer. They are an important part of our team and are making significant contributions to our work. We wanted to take a moment and shine a spotlight on these talented young people. These folks are going places!
Callie Elsworth, University of Virginia. Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
I am an avid fan of all things space. I love the mission concepts Quantum Space is setting out to achieve. I wanted to learn more about space missions and be a part of that!
What is your role this summer?
Mechanical Lead for the Intern High Altitude Balloon Project and Engineering Intern for flight projects
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
I knew very little about high altitude balloon (HAB) missions going into this internship. In the past couple of weeks, I've been able to not only learn more about HAB, but also more about systems engineering. Since this is a student-driven project, we are responsible for everything from mission design to building, testing, and flying. This is definitely going to be a great way to gain experience with multiple aspects of a mission.
What is your super power?
Curiosity - I have learned so many things by allowing myself to go down rabbit holes and off on tangents.
Fun facts?
I love to be outdoors with my dog. We go hiking and paddleboarding together often!
Sierra Raspa, University of Maryland, Mechanical Engineering major (with minor in computer engineering)
What interested you about interning for QS?
The novelty of everything that Quantum Space is doing. Once I heard that they were working on developing the space superhighway, I got super excited and wanted to contribute in any way I could.
What is your role this summer?
I am on the Ground Station and Communication sub-team! This sub-team also works closely with the Avionics sub-team
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
It has only been a little over a week, and I have already learned so much. I am learning about RF communication systems, types of antennas, link budgets, trade spaces, COSMOS (ground control software), and I am even learning a new programming language, Ruby! Also, I love that I am experiencing a startup environment and meeting so many talented and smart people; it makes me feel motivated and inspired.
What is your super power?
Something that I would consider a superpower of my own is my ability to find literally anything interesting. There is hardly anything that I find uninteresting which is great because that makes life way more exciting.
Fun facts?
Before I knew I wanted to become an engineer, I wanted to be an animator. So, when I have free time, I love to draw and paint. I also play D&D with my friends on the weekends (I love playing Barbarians). I played club soccer and did tap dancing for most of my life and also did track and basketball. I also am the leader of a research team working to develop self-assembling micro-robots, which is incredibly exciting and something I am very passionate about.
Liam McCary, Virginia Tech, Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
Learning how private companies approach providing services/creating products for space applications, and learning more about engineering in the space environment
What is your role this summer?
Imaging Payload Specialist / Mechanical Design Engineer
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
So far, I have learned about mechanical design principles, imaging stabilization techniques, and got the opportunity to dive deeper into the design process for space missions. I have also picked up proficiency in Creo, a new CAD software for me. I have gotten the opportunity to learn more about the decision making process when choosing parts for a product / mission.
What is your super power?
I teach backcountry snowboarding in the winter.
Fun facts?
I love riding my bike, playing pickup volleyball, snowboarding in the winter, building basic electronics, hiking, spending time with friends, cooking, and traveling.
Justin Rhoads, University of Maryland, Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
Working at a startup where I would be involved in more meaningful work was very interesting to me and last summer I worked with the company through the University of Maryland and learned a lot about the ideas that the company had.
What is your role this summer?
I&T lead/communications and ground station
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
I have never worked with RF or any communications systems and I am very excited to learn more about these subsystems. There is also a lot I believe I will learn from this internship from working through an entire engineering project that I can not learn from the classroom.
What is your super power?
I can break down large problems into smaller issues that are easier for me to understand and complete.
Fun facts?
I have been very involved in rock climbing in the past year, mainly focusing on bouldering but I am planning on learning how to lead climb as well.
Kruti Bhingradiya, University of Maryland, Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
The possibility of being part of projects enabling/conducting space exploration
What is your role this summer?
Chief engineer for CubeSats project to enable Multi-Spectral Imagery, Solar Panel Deployment and Retraction and Payload Mesh Network in stratosphere
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
This internship has been helping me refine my engineering skillsets along with learning how to not only lead a team with different engineering subsystems but also how to be part of it efficiently. It is also providing me with resources and opportunities to talk with engineers with significant experience from industry and learn about their experiences and passion.
What is your super power?
Focus and optimized information/resource utilization
Fun facts?
I love to read, conduct outreach, talk and chat and hiking.
Chidobem Udejiofor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
I found Quantum's satellite network concept very intriguing and was attracted by the prospect of experiencing start up level work on such ideas.
What is your role this summer?
Currently I'm working on the avionics but I expect to get involved more in other projects.
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
So far a big takeaway has been experiencing the early process. Going through proper requirements definition, budgeting, and project management has been very eye opening as to what the engineering process is like on a company level.
What is your super power?
Technically superhuman hearing
Fun facts?
I'm a big soccer fan and I've played competitively since childhood. Besides staying active I like working on smaller personal projects. I'm currently working on an autonomous drone flight controller.
Zach Rinehart, The Catholic University of America, Computer Science (MS)
What interested you about interning for QS?
Definitely the opportunity to work for an innovative startup
What is your role this summer?
Software Lead
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
This internship has presented me with many opportunities to learn and grow both in my career and as a person. I specifically appreciate the nature of QS's culture from my exposure so far: Friendly, patient, and uplifting, yet also pushing and challenging me at my own level. I have experienced immense growth even within the past two weeks of my onboarding. I look forward to what the rest of my internship brings!
What is your super power?
Probably hobbyist yo-yoing - though I also do a lot of technological and crypto wizardry in my spare time
Fun facts?
Yo-yoing for me basically serves as my pocketable occupational therapy. It's a fun thing I can do to pass the time if I find myself needing to wait for something. Google "Yo-yo performance" if you'd like to understand what hobbyist yo-yoing is.
Spencer Baird, Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace Engineering
What interested you about interning for QS?
Fast-paced startup environment with a small-company culture and inspiring objectives that will transform humanity's journey to the moon and beyond.
What is your role this summer?
Project Manager for intern project; mechanical engineering support for Scout/Ranger
Tell us a little about what you’ve learned so far.
Project management has given me real-world practice organizing and managing a team pursuing a genuine cradle-to-grave space project. Mechanical engineering for Scout/Ranger has taught me countless industry design skills with a focus on spacecraft engineering.
What is your super power?
Teleportation
Fun facts?
I enjoy keeping aquariums, scuba diving, golfing, working out, climbing trees, playing sports with my 3 older brothers, playing guitar, and reading/writing.