Space Spiels

In this episode of Space Spiels, Paige sits down with Keerthi Padmanabhan to explore her career journey so far. With seven internships under her belt, including experiences at NASA and Blue Origin, Keerthi shares why she chose to prioritize hands-on experience over rushing through college. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, applying for the Brooke Owens Fellowship, and the impact of having women in aerospace who encourage and uplift one another. From working on sustainable technologies for space exploration to navigating the uncertainty of choosing a career, Keerthi reminds us that you don't need to have everything figured out at 18. Her biggest takeaway? Make a choice, and make it the right choice.

Disclaimer:  The conversations in this episode are the personal views of the participants and do not represent any mentioned organizations.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing my experience transitioning from school to a full-time career in aerospace and the uncertainty that came with it. Including navigating a tough job market and wondering whether I’d land a full-time position, I’m getting honest about the challenges along the way. I also explain why I chose to do another internship the summer after graduating with my bachelor’s degree and how being enrolled in my master’s program made that possible. Along the way, I share some of my biggest lessons: seek out the experiences you want, be annoyingly persistent, find mentors, and be kind to the people around you. We’re also talking about how the “adulting” stuff gets easier, but maintaining a healthy work-life balance takes real effort and intentional habits. Whether you’re still in school, navigating internships, or well established in a full-time role, I hope this episode reminds you that even career paths that look perfect come with challenges!Disclaimer:  The conversations in this episode are the personal views of the participants and do not represent any mentioned organizations.

In this episode of Space Spiels, Paige sits down with Jaimi Lutes to talk about studying Earth and Space science and Environmental Science, researching how bacteria communities could support plant growth in extreme environments, and finding the unexpected connections between space exploration and sustainability here on Earth. Jaimi also shares how marching band, triathlon, mentorship, sleep, and some seriously intentional time management helped her navigate life as a high-achieving STEM student. She gets candid about post-grad uncertainty, unanswered emails, grad school applications, and learning to separate your self-worth from your scientific achievements. Along the way, Jaimi shares practical advice on studying using active recall and why being terrible at something is often the first step toward getting good at it. It’s a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and learning to like who you are when you face hard things.

Michael Sola’s path into aerospace has been anything but linear. In this episode, he shares how an early interest in aviation led him to Pratt & Whitney, graduate school at USC, a hands-on internship at The Aerospace Corporation, and eventually his current propulsion role at Vast. We talk about what it was really like to work full time while attending graduate school in person and leading projects in USC’s Liquid Propulsion Laboratory. Michael also opens up about leaving a stable full-time job for an internship, navigating an uncertain job search, and how networking and mentors helped him make some of his biggest career decisions. Along the way, Michael shares practical advice about taking calculated risks, minimizing wasted effort, and continuing to chase the work that genuinely interests you. Listen now to hear Michael’s story and his advice for anyone navigating their own ever-changing path in aerospace.Connect with Mike here

In this episode of Space Spiels, Paige sits down with Mark Zhang, a Systems Test Engineer at Joby Aviation, to talk about his journey into aerospace as an international student. Mark shares how The Martian first sparked his interest in space, how his time at Purdue led him toward commercial aviation, and why he became fascinated by the power of airplanes to connect people around the world. He breaks down what systems engineering actually looks like, how research taught him to simplify complex problems, and which college experiences helped prepare him for his career. Mark also gives an honest look at one of the hardest parts of his journey: trying to build an aerospace career in the United States as a non-U.S. citizen. He shares the persistence behind repeatedly applying to companies, reaching out to Purdue alumni, improving his resume and cover letters, and continuing forward even when he questioned whether choosing aerospace had been the right decision. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes building the career you want comes down to continuing to solve the next problem in front of you.

Connect with Mark here!

Disclaimer:  The conversations in this episode are the personal views of the participants and do not represent any mentioned organizations.

It’s the Space Spiels Season 4 premiere!! Paige sits down with NASA’s first female lunar CAPCOM, Amy Dill, to talk about the winding path that led her to the front room of one of NASA’s most historic missions. From discovering MIT through magazines and balancing engineering with hockey to navigating NASA without a clear roadmap, Amy shares how curiosity, collaboration, mentorship, and a willingness to try something new shaped her career. She opens up about applying three times to become a CAPCOM, switching subsystems, and embracing pivots that ultimately gave her the experience she needed to reach the role. Amy also takes us behind the scenes of Artemis II, reflecting on the unforgettable rendezvous and proximity operations demonstration and what it feels like to witness history from a perspective few people ever get to see. To kick off Season 4, this is a conversation about persistence, failure, curiosity, and the people who help us find our way. I can’t wait for you to hear!

Disclaimer:  The conversations in this episode are the personal views of the participants and do not represent any mentioned organizations.

In this episode, Paige sits down with instrumentation and controls engineer Dylan Johnson to talk about his journey in engineering. The conversation dives into his relationship with failure, work-life balance, and the misconceptions many people have about engineers. Dylan shares how embracing mistakes helped shape both his career and the way he supports the people around him. This episode is an honest and encouraging conversation about resilience, uncertainty, and trusting that even when doors seem to close, things can still work out exactly the way they’re meant to. Connect with Dylan!

Matt does not speak for the U.S. Army, government, or NASA. All views are our own.

In this episode, Paige sits down with Matthew Landon, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, to talk about his path in the military and aerospace world. Matt shares how his background in intelligence, education, and leadership shaped his perspective. The conversation highlights powerful lessons on trusting your instincts, embracing difficult challenges, and choosing passion over external expectations.  He reflects on moments of imposter syndrome, the importance of staying genuine and approachable, and why being yourself is ultimately your greatest advantage. Matt also reflects on unforgettable moments – like witnessing an Artemis launch – and leaves listeners with grounded advice on growth, self-belief, and not taking life too seriously.

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Disclaimer: My personal social media communications only reflect my personal views and do not represent the views of my employer or associated organizations. 

In this episode, Paige opens up about her personal experience with imposter syndrome and 4 tips that help her overcome it. She breaks down what imposter syndrome is, why so many students in STEM struggle with it, and how it manifests in her. Paige shares honest stories from her time at USC, including academic challenges, self-doubt, and the pressure of being surrounded by top performers. She gives practical strategies for overcoming these feelings, emphasizing community, self-awareness, and learning how to succeed in a way that is both challenging and sustainable. Listen now for a vulnerable and helpful conversation!

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In this episode, Paige sits down with Anna Shaposhnik, founder and CEO of ORBES, to talk about her path into the space industry. Anna shares how her interdisciplinary education at USC’s Iovine and Young Academy allowed her to combine art, design, and engineering while working hands-on at the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab as both a machinist and visual design lead. She reflects on her experience at the startup Orbit Fab and what it was like balancing work while still in school. Now leading a company of her own, building robotic workers for space stations, Anna discusses what it’s been like learning to be a CEO right after graduating and why putting yourself in challenging situations is key to growth. The conversation explores creativity in engineering, taking initiative in your education, and building the future of space through collaboration.

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