Swati Patel graduated from Rutgers University in 2014 with a B.S. in Astrophysics with a focus on engineering and a minor in Asian Studies. During her undergraduate years, she took various physics classes and completed a project at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in West Virginia. She was very involved in Rutgers extracurriculars and took several leadership roles including the President of Rutgers University of Nippon Students, Founder of K-pop Dance Cover Club, and Treasurer of Japanese Conversation Club. Additionally, she interned at the New Jersey chapter of Youth Empowerment Services while employed at Jerich International Logistics Company in the Data Department. Post-graduation, she served as the Assistant Director for C2 Education where she devised marketing endeavors, conducted student inquiries, tutored in pre-collegiate math, and more.

In 2016, Swati became the first student in the Professional Science Masters in Space Studies and MBA coordinated degree program at Rice University. The program catered to her unique interests in space operations and the business world. Rice University offered an intimate learning environment, personal attention, and great exposure to the professional world. During her time at Rice, she took on more leadership roles and was elected to the Jones Student Association and the Rice University National Professional Science Masters Association. She was named one of Poets & Quants 2019 Best & Brightest MBAs.

From 2017 to 2019, Swati interned for Boeing as a Student Engineer for the Active Thermal Control Systems for the International Space Station and joined Boeing Women in Leadership Communications Committee. She gained intimate knowledge of the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems hardware requirements and verifications. She helped manage requirements development, verification and exceptions for payloads, coordinated with matrix organizations and vendors to fulfill requirements, and conducted thermal testing and analysis. She headed a special intern summer project developing a CAD design and budget outline for a new addition to the Boeing building. She has accepted a position for Space Operations for Boeing post-graduation.

Before continuing with Boeing, Swati has taken a brief opportunity to work with the Greater Houston Partnership as a Project Specialist researching economic development opportunities to foster the private space sector in Houston. She is conducting market research and analysis on the global, regional, and local aerospace industry to guide economic development strategy as it relates to Houston’s ongoing leadership in the field.
Swati concludes: “The PSM was the perfect combination of academic and professional experience that was essential to branch out in the aerospace industry. The diverse set of course work, amazing network of colleges, and exceptional professors was a one of a kind experience."