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An Interview with Nicole Lee, Brooke Owens Fellow and Mechanical Engineering and Business, Economics, and Management, alongside a minor in Aerospace at Caltech, former Intern at Space Capital, Aerospace Corporation, and Boeing.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned through the Brooke Owens Fellowship is that competition happens at the bottom and collaboration happens at the top.”

What is your background?

I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, a special hometown where the night sky is almost always clear. Some of my earliest memories are outdoor movie screenings under the stars and attending local community astronomy programs hosted by the University of Arizona. Growing up during an era of breakthrough aerospace launches, I became interested in how advancements in aerospace revolutionized technology in areas like national security, climate change, and communication. Understanding the impact of space technology ultimately fueled me to pursue this field.

At Caltech, I pursued a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Business, Economics, and Management. I joined the Fluids group at the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories, publishing research on experimental and computational aerodynamics and collaborating on projects modeling fluid dynamics in elastic tubes, relevant for biomedical applications.

This fall, I will begin my PhD in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at MIT in the Human Systems Lab. Additionally, I’ll be pursuing a dual Master's degree through the MIT Technology and Policy Program (TPP) to deepen my understanding of how policy frameworks and technology interact.

I became involved with Space Capital because I believe progress in aerospace requires alignment with evolving economic and commercial landscapes. As a researcher, I am particularly excited by the interplay between innovation and market forces, and how this intersection will shape the future of space exploration. 

What have been your top career accomplishments so far?

I feel extremely fortunate to have achieved several milestones in my academic and professional career. Notably, I received the Caltech Beckman Political Award and the LA Philanthropic Award, recognizing my commitment to community impact and leadership. My research efforts have also resulted in publications and presentations at prestigious venues such as the Global Space Exploration Conference.

Being selected as a Brooke Owens Fellow was one of the most meaningful experiences in my career so far. It not only introduced me to an inspiring community of peers and mentors, but also gave me guidance, encouragement, and perspective that have shaped how I see my place in the aerospace industry. Similarly, earning the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship was a deeply rewarding milestone for me. It’s motivated me to keep pushing forward and contributing meaningfully to my field.

What were the critical steps/choices that helped you get ahead?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned through the Brooke Owens Fellowship is that “competition happens at the bottom and collaboration happens at the top.” This insight really shaped how I view professional relationships. The space industry is close knit, so building strong, collaborative relationships is essential. Many of the best opportunities come through these connections, especially at the highest levels.

Early mentors advised me not to lose the enthusiasm I show as I move forward or get older, and that advice continues to guide me every day.

What part of your education had the most impact on your career?

Reflecting on my education, I realize that both research and community service have had profound impacts on my career, often in ways I didn’t initially expect. Actively finding ways to give back has connected me to countless opportunities and sparked creativity in how I think about technology’s broader applications. It pushed me to ask, “Where else can this technology make a difference?” and opened doors to meet incredible people along the way.

It wasn’t until some reflection that I fully appreciated how much giving back actually gave to me, not just in networking, but in lessons learned, mentorship, and personal growth. This reciprocal relationship has been invaluable.

As I prepare to start my next chapter at MIT, I’m excited to continue this journey. The community at MIT I’ll be joining challenges me to think bigger and work toward a more sustainable future for the aerospace industry.

‍What about your career have you enjoyed the most and least? 

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in my career so far is the opportunity to give back through mentorship. Being able to support and guide others has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me just as much as I hope it has taught them. I’ve also deeply valued my research experiences, where I get to take ownership of innovative projects and contribute new knowledge. Building credibility in my field through this work is something I’m genuinely excited about as I move forward.

On the flip side, one of the more challenging aspects has been navigating funding constraints. Securing resources to support research and projects can slow progress and requires a good amount of persistence, but it has also strengthened my problem solving and resilience.

Where do you see the most promising career opportunities in the future?

While the expanding space economy is driving incredible innovation, it’s true that not all these developments are immediately essential or solve pressing problems. I believe the future of space lies in focusing on technologies and missions that address urgent global challenges or matching space technology with on-earth customer needs.

What advice/resources would you share with the next generation?     

Embrace lifelong learning, stay curious and open to new knowledge throughout your career. There is so much to learn, and it’s a continuous process that can’t be rushed. Technology and industries evolve rapidly, so steadily growing your skills and perspectives over time is key to making a meaningful impact.

Take time regularly to pause and think deeply. You don’t learn from experience, you learn from reflecting on experience. Don’t just follow instructions blindly, dare challenge the norm and think creatively about problems. It’s this kind of thoughtful, unconventional approach that separates good engineers from truly great ones.

Also, remember that you’re constantly building your credibility. Approach every task with enthusiasm and a commitment to doing quality work, no matter how small it seems. That mindset will open doors and build trust throughout your career.   

‍Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m excited to be starting graduate school at MIT soon and would love to connect with others who share my passion for aerospace and innovation! Also, I highly encourage everyone to apply to fellowships, my experiences with these programs have truly been life-changing and opened doors I never imagined.