In celebration of National Intern Day, AIAA is highlighting the students who have spent this summer working alongside the staff supporting initiatives from digital media and graphic design to government relations and student member competitions.
We asked this year’s interns what excites them most about AIAA, which events and initiatives have stood out, and a few fun facts along the way.
Zafir Alolade, a graduate of the University of Maryland with a master’s in aerospace engineering, said the best part of the internship has been the chance to meet leaders in the industry and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Design/Build/Fly Competition. Outside of work, he’s usually watching engineering videos on YouTube, playing tennis and soccer, or gaming. On top of that, Zafir may have won the designation of most fun fact with this: he’s gone skydiving!
Branden Tirona, a graduate of George Mason University with a major in business marketing, said being in rooms full of experts as a non-expert has been the most exciting part of his summer. He also enjoyed connecting with young professionals at both ASCEND 2026 and AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026. When he’s not working, you’ll find him running trails on a sunny day.
Tre’Lise Bradsher, a recent George Mason University graphic design graduate, said she’s valued the chance to grow as a designer while contributing to a mission-driven organization. A highlight of her summer was attending ASCEND 2026, where she saw professionals gathered together to discuss the future of space. Tre’Lise is a true creative. Outside of work, you’ll find her working on some sort of creative project, whether that’s making jewelry, crocheting, drawing, sewing, or playing a video game.
Katherine Chow, AIAA’s government relations and public policy intern and a Georgetown University student studying Science, Technology, and International Affairs, said she’s most excited about the really cool people and events happening around the DC space area. She’s looking forward to learning how the lobbying process shapes the aerospace industry’s role in government. Though Katherine is local to the AIAA office, she has a bucket list item to visit all 50 states and has already hit 39 of them!
As for me, Camryn Sidhu, AIAA’s communications intern and a Southern Methodist University student studying Advertising, I’ve loved doing some of the behind-the-scenes research to help bring AIAA’s new Up Next podcast to life. Researching industry leaders and helping prepare for conversations with them has given me a cool look into the future of aerospace. This summer, I’ve loved diving into strategic communications and digital media and helping tell the stories shaping the future of aerospace.
From engineering to policy to design, this summer’s interns brought a wide range of perspectives, all with a shared enthusiasm for aerospace’s future. Happy National Intern Day to all of them!
