The Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program—a summer internship and executive mentorship program inspiring the next generation of commercial spaceflight leaders—announces the 30 individuals selected for its 2020 class. Now in its third year, this highly-selective program awards exceptional college juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing aerospace careers with paid internships at cutting-edge commercial space companies around the nation. Fellows also receive one-on-one mentorship from accomplished members of the space community, including astronauts, engineers, entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and others. The program culminates in a memorable two-day summit in Los Angeles during which the Fellows will network with top leaders in the industry, visit space start-ups, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
For the 2020 class, the program received more than 130 applications from 68 colleges in 25 states. From that list, program coordinators rigorously screened the applicants for academic excellence, relevant experience, and, most importantly, a demonstrated passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercial space. Upon completing the summer internship, the Fellows will remain among an elite group of alumni who will have the opportunity to continue to network with this Program, assigned mentors, and past and future Fellows, on the path to becoming future space icons.
Out of the 30 individuals in the 2020 class, three are MAE Undergraduates. Read more about these exceptional students below!
Douglas Chin
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2020
Current School:
Princeton University, Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Host Company: Astra
Douglas Chin is a junior at Princeton University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His love for science fiction led to a dedication to making those dreams a reality. He has had his software flown on robots in the International Space Station and has built and flown rockets to thousands of feet. Outside of the classroom, he is the president of the Princeton Rocketry Club and enjoys playing trumpet in the Princeton University Band.
Meredith Hoopera
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2020
Current School:
Princeton University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Host Company: SpaceX
Meredith Hooper is a senior at Princeton University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and minoring in Materials Science and Engineering as well as Vocal Consort Performance. She looks forward to attending graduate school in the fall. In addition to her classwork, Meredith is very involved with the musical and outdoors community on Princeton’s campus. She sings alto, plays cello, and enjoys leading multi-day backpacking trips.
Michael Hauge
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2020
Current School:
Princeton University, Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Host Company: OneWeb Satellites
Michael Hauge is a junior at Princeton University, majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is involved with the university’s Rocketry Club and Formula Hybrid electric racing team, and is helping to start a CubeSat lab to facilitate space-based research at Princeton. He has previously interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and wants to help make space a platform for equitable economic opportunity and science. Outside of academics, he is a member of the Princeton University Orchestra, and plays in the pit orchestra of the Princeton Triangle Club.