Fashioning the Future With: Kaitlyn Ludlam
Today's post proves that shooting for the stars pays off because we have the astronomically awesome Kaitlyn Ludlam on the blog today! Kaitlyn — or AstroBot Kaitlyn as she's known online — is a STEM advocate who founded her own nonprofit, AstroBot STEM, while in high school. AstroBot STEM helps underserved kids gain access to opportunities and resources including mentorships and scholarships. In addition to running AstroBot STEM, Kaitlyn's CV contains a constellation of cool credits. She's a recipient of the Girls Scouts' Gold Award, a 2020 Coca-Cola Scholar, a FIRST Dean's List Finalist, a 24 under 24 honoree of The Mars Generation, and more. Oh yeah, Kaitlyn's also a maker and a programmer!
As for what's next for Kaitlyn, she plans to attend the University of Florida — Go Gators! Kaitlyn intends to major in mechanical engineering with interests in materials engineering and aerospace engineering. Spacefaring shallots, how sweet is that? We can't wait to see where Kaitlyn's atmospheric rise takes her — and it might just be Saturn's moon Titan.
We were thrilled to ask Kaitlyn about her work as a STEM communicator, what she loves about being part of groups like The STEAM Squad and The Mars Generation, what her experiences at Space Camp were like, and more. Meet AstroBot Kaitlyn, stellar STEM sensation, awesome advocate, and one to watch!
When did you know you were a scientist?
I knew I was a scientist when I was five years old. My brother and I used anything and everything we could find to make models to look like rockets, planes, and buildings. My curiosity peaked, and I found ways to learn and experiment. I knew I was a scientist because nothing ever stopped my curiosity.
What was the first thing you ever made/invented?
Many years ago, I remember working with my dad and brothers to make a small catapult using an old Easter basket, rope, and some wood in our backyard. We used it to launch our pumpkins that we carved on Halloween to compost them in a very fun way.
What does being an ‘AstroBot’ mean to you — and where did the term originate?
When I first started advocating back in 2017, I wanted to make a unique nickname to describe who I am, and what I am passionate about. I have always loved space and robotics, so I put them together to make “AstroBot” for “Astrobot Kaitlyn.” Now, I define an “AstroBot” as a person who is interested in Space (Astro), Robotics (Bot), and any other S.T.E.M. field, and they pursue it!
What is your personal philosophy as a STEM advocate?
Many girls never see their place in STEM because they are not educated about their opportunities or they are too intimidated to get involved. Others can find a passion in STEM when they are informed and understand that they are supported. My philosophy is to create and provide a supportive community of STEM leaders.
What was the most unexpected thing to happen during your time at Space Camp?
At Space Camp, you do many simulations of different launches and missions. For the big Mars mission, I was the Medical Chief on the International Space Station (ISS). My job was to solve any medical problems on the ISS, in mission control, and on the Orion (the capsule going to Mars, at the time). One of the Crew was “Space Ghost”, and he would simulate all the possible problems. Simultaneously, he had two of the ISS astronauts go blind, five in mission control have panic attacks, and two in the Orion get sick. As I was working quickly to help everyone, he had me have a heart attack. Many of us “died” in the mission, but overall it was a success.
Did living near the Space Coast in Florida influence your love of space exploration?
Living near the Space Coast absolutely influenced my love of space exploration. When I was nine years old, I attended a Space day-camp at the Kennedy Space Center over the summer. During that week I was exposed to everything aerospace! I remember watching a reenactment of Apollo eleven, playing with the flight simulators, and seeing the replicas of different rockets. I especially remember watching the last space shuttle launch. That summer was when I decided that I wanted to be an astronaut.
What do you love most about being a Girl Scout?
Being a Girl Scout puts you in a community of smart, helpful, and kind girls who are strong leaders and forever friends. Girl Scouts has helped me reach out in the community more and build my leadership. I’ve had the most amazing experience in Girl Scouts; my favorites have been meeting Dr. Eugene Parker while watching the Parker Solar Probe Launch, sitting on the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Board of Directors as a Student Member, and mentoring Girl Scout Robotics teams. Being in Girl Scouts inspired me to start my nonprofit, AstroBot STEM, as it was my Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
What plans do you have for AstroBot STEM in the future?
I am very excited for the future of AstroBot STEM! We are looking forward to growing and working towards membership/connections, mentoring events, scholarships, and awards. I am very proud of our growth so far, and I am excited to continue connecting girls to resources and role models in STEM!
What advice do you have for students who find themselves to be the only girl in their STEM classes?
Most of the time it is very intimidating to be the only girl in a math, physics, or chemistry class. I always felt intimidated or isolated when I was the only girl, but don’t back out! Keep learning and expanding your knowledge in STEM, especially subjects you are interested in. There are plenty of people who are cheering you on and supporting you. Never let barriers get in your way!
What is your ideal career path? Slightly more specifically: As an astronaut, where would you rather visit: the Moon or Mars (or other!)?
I would love to work in the space industry on robotics/materials for deep space travel. In our push to reach Mars, we meet many challenges for health. I would love to work on robotic and medical technology for the complex life-support systems for deeper space travel!
As an astronaut, I would love to visit Mars! Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, would also be an incredible destination.
We’re big fans of both The STEAM Squad and The Mars Generation. What does it mean to you to be part of such cool groups of young people united by their love of STEM?
I am very honored to be part of such amazing groups of young people. It is truly incredible to be a part of groups that have a passion for science and are working on sharing that passion with others to change the world.
What is the biggest misconception people have about young scientists/kids who are scientists?
I’ve been asked questions about current and future space exploration that are not yet certain. Others have asked me specifically how space agencies are going to land on Mars and Titan or if I know if launches will go when weather may scrub it. We don’t know everything, but I am always happy to share what I know or can research.
The Class of 2020 had to reimagine a lot of milestones like prom and graduation. What is the #1 thing you learned from adapting to life as a high school senior during the pandemic?
While completing my senior year from home, I learned how to connect with others while being away. It is great that we are in a time in which we can talk to each other every day while being so far apart. We can use technology to bridge the distance between us.
Following that: We would normally ask ‘what are some of your hobbies you enjoy in your free time,’ but since these are not normal times, we now want to ask: How do you relax/practice self-care/connect with friends during quarantine/social distancing?
In my free time, I definitely enjoy watching movies with my family and talking to my friends. One of my favorite activities so far has been designing roller coasters and calculating the G-forces with my brother to see who can make the safest or most dangerous ride. I also enjoy watching current rocket launches, like the recent Crew Dragon and Starlink.
Who (modern day or historical) inspires you?
There are many people who inspire me. I am definitely inspired by Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus; she is the “queen of carbon science”, as she worked on properties of materials. She also worked on expanding opportunities for women in Science. I am also inspired by Dr. Eugene Parker; he theorized solar wind. When others constantly told them that he was wrong, he kept going. Lastly, I am inspired by Dr. Tracy Fanara, and I am so honored that I got to speak with her and that she is now a mentor in my life.
Do you have any favorite fictional STEM characters in books/movies/other art forms?
One of my favorite fictional STEM characters is Amy Fowler from The Big Bang Theory, a neurobiologist. I especially like the character because the actress playing Amy, Mayim Bialik, is an actual neuroscientist.
If you were a superhero, what would your go-to wearable tech device be?
If I was a superhero, I would definitely want a high-tech jet pack. I could quickly travel to where I am needed and always have a nice view of all the rocket launches.
Where can people find you online?
My NonProfit Website: astrobotstem.org
IG: @astrobot_kaitlyn & @astrobot_stem
Twitter: @AstroBotKaitlyn & @AstrobotStem
Facebook: @AstroBotKaitlyn & @AstroBotSTEM
LinkedIn: Kaitlyn Ludlam