I co-developed and spearheaded a comprehensive mentorship program designed to introduce new members to the world of high-powered rocketry. My partner and I engineered a custom kit from the ground up. It was a 48-inch rocket designed to increase approachability for beginners. We structured a multi-week curriculum around this build, personally guiding members through every step of the assembly.
Because this was a pilot program, the logistical challenges were significant. Executing the project for a cohort of over 40 students required us to generate detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), standard operating procedures, and strict build schedules. We also faced a tight budget, which forced us to find creative ways to drastically reduce the cost per unit without sacrificing quality. We achieved this by optimizing across multiple vendors, using available tools, and manufacturing components in-house, such as laser-cutting the fins ourselves.
Leading this initiative played a pivotal role in refining my leadership and communication abilities. I was responsible for translating complex technical tasks for a cohort of over 40 students, requiring me to switch between broad classroom instruction and personalized, one-on-one mentorship. This dynamic forced me to balance my time effectively across the group while troubleshooting unique build issues as they arose. Outside the workshop, I managed the external logistics by coordinating with launch site officials and safety officers, ensuring an accurate and realistic timeline.