Rising aerospace engineer and Brooke Owens fellow Peijuan Huang aiming to transform space exploration
Born and raised in China, Peijuan Huang has had a passion for science, technology,
and aerospace since childhood. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Japanese,
she spent a few years working and interning in China. During this time, Peijuan experienced
intense stress in her commercial work environment, which led her to crave a fresh
start. Ultimately, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to a completely different
country.
She moved to the United States and faced the pandemic, which prompted her to reflect on what truly matters and what she wanted to dedicate her life to. “I realized that aerospace is not just about space travel; it plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from GPS and communication satellites to weather forecasting and global transportation,” said Peijuan. “Without aerospace technology, our modern world wouldn’t function the way it does.” She was convinced that this was the field where she could make a meaningful impact.
Peijuan chose Cerritos College for its strong engineering program and supportive environment, which would enable her to build her technical skills in aerospace engineering and prepare for further studies. Throughout her journey at Cerritos College, Mathematics Professor Patty George provided significant support by sharing opportunities and connecting her with key individuals. Also influential in her journey was Assistant Mathematics Professor Ruben Leon, whose teaching made complex topics easier to understand. As a member of the Robotics Club, Peijuan worked on engineering projects, which enhanced her teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Recently, Peijuan Huang was selected for the esteemed Brooke Owens Fellowship. This nationally acclaimed nonprofit program recognizes exceptional undergraduate women and gender minorities, providing them with mentorship, career development, and industry networking opportunities. Through the fellowship, Peijuan will connect with over 350 Brookie alumni in the space and aviation sectors, participate in a summer research internship, and be paired with an executive mentor. The application required a multimedia essay. Film Professor Steven Hirohama helped Peijuan connect with schoolmate Daniel Encinas, who assisted in shooting her video essay. “The video ultimately led me to the semi-finalist list of the Brooke Owens Fellowship. I truly appreciate their support.”
Peijuan plans to transfer to California State University, Long Beach, in the fall to earn her bachelor’s degree and may pursue an advanced degree in areas like space systems or propulsion technologies. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to space exploration and the development of advanced aerospace systems, with a focus on robotics and deployable structures for extreme environments. She aims to work with leading aerospace organizations to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of future space missions.
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