Space Talent recently interviewed Manwei Chan—a PHD Candidate at MIT Space Telecommunications, Astronomy & Radiation Laboratory, former Matthew Isakowitz Fellow at Nanoracks, and President of MIT SEDS—for its blog series focused on the leaders and builders at the intersection of space and tech. See below for an excerpt about Manwei’s experience in the Fellowship program:
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Manwei:
If you are a student interested in space, I would recommend looking into various programs and organizations to get involved in. Personally, my experiences with Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program (MIFP) were invaluable. While I can only speak to my experience with the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, there are many other amazing fellowships such as the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, the Zed Factor Fellowship, and the Brooke Owens Fellowship. Note: each fellowship is unique, so do you research and figure out which one suits you the best!
For those thinking of the MIFP, the application process was very enjoyable. The initial application when I applied included thought-provoking questions that got me thinking about the future of the space industry and the areas which are most promising. This phase was followed by interviews with members of the MIFP team, who are all amazing. Lastly, the application process ended with an interview with my potential host company, NanoRacks. While at NanoRacks, I worked on the advanced program development team, researching and writing proposals to develop technologies that would stimulate a self-sustaining economy in low-earth orbit. Through NanoRacks, my executive mentor, and the other fellow interning in Washington DC, I was able to integrate smoothly into a new city and also get involved with the local space community. Near the end of my summer, the program also held a summit for the fellows, which was the most memorable part of my fellowship experience. I met the fellows from my year, and we stay in touch to this day. It is a great alumni network as we are always sharing space news, opinions, and achievements with each other. One alumni also developed a unique control framework that is a critical part of the satellite I am currently building. One message I took away from my experience was an appreciation of the opportunity to enjoy space, but to do it in a way that benefits the rest of humanity. My MIFP summer is definitely a highlight of my graduate school experience.