Fashioning the Future With: Makiah Eustice

Future astronaut, STEM advocate, space optimist — these are just three ways to describe Makiah Eustice, the cosmically cool aerospace engineer we've got on the blog today! Makiah's pursuit of her extraplanetary goals have taken her around the world from Texas to Brazil to Costa Rica to France and even to Mars — as part of very cool analog missions here on Earth!

This last spring, Makiah graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in aerospace engineering and was also commissioned as an Air Force Second Lieutenant. During undergrad, Makiah founded the Aggie Astronaut Corps to help other students shoot for the moon (and beyond)! She's a Brooke Owens Fellow, class of 2017; and in 2018, Makiah was on the Brooke Owens Fellowship selection committee. At Texas A&M, Makiah served as the president of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) organization. She was also in the ROTC and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Over this last summer, Makiah attended the International Space University in France, graduating from their Space Studies Program. Cascading croissants, how cool is that?!

Makiah is currently a Developmental Engineer, Active Duty with the U.S. Air Force where she will be serving in the state of Georgia. In addition to her awesome academic and military career, Makiah is an accomplished STEM advocate with a focus on space optimism (which we, of course, asked her all about!) Makiah is a member of a number of awesome organizations helping to advance space travel. To name just one, Makiah is a member of The Mars Generation where she was student space ambassador. Additionally, she helped raise money for scholarships during their "Train Like a Martian" campaign. Makiah has given many talks and presentations about pursuing space, such as her talk at the Women in Space Conference, and her still-unfolding story is sure to inspire others to also reach for the stars!

We were thrilled to ask Makiah all about her journey to space including where she wants to travel in the solar system, what it was like being a member of analog Mars missions, who inspires her, and even what super cool instrument she plays in her free time! Meet Makiah Eustice, member of the U.S. Air Force, astronomically awesome woman in STEM, and fierce future explorer of other worlds!

When did you know you were a scientist?

I was a very curious child, especially around nature! I collected rocks, shells, and leaves from everywhere and wondered how they came to be. I still wish to study geoscience in the future. As a grew older, I became more fascinated with the question: "What can I do with them?"

What originally drew you to aerospace engineering?

When I began to hear about the new space industry (SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) with huge aspirations, I wanted to be a part of the adventure too. In fact, I wanted to try the hardest thing to make the biggest contribution. At the time, I thought that was engineering. I did consider other majors (biomedical, electrical) but I wanted to learn how rockets and airplanes worked, so I chose aerospace engineering. 

What is it about space travel that drives you to become an astronaut? 

Of course, there is the aspect of being completely cool! It’s the unknown, the path less traveled, and a peak you must climb “because it’s there” as Georges Mallory put it. But it’s more than that. I’m not just doing it for myself. I want to go up to serve humanity, whether it is extending our footprints, doing research for others, or mentoring kids from space.

What does it mean to you to be a #SpaceOptimist?

To me, a Space Optimist is someone who has a certain mindset. There are gaps in our technology, financial investment, political will, and cooperation that limits us from becoming a just, sustainable, space-faring civilization. A space optimist believes space can be used for good, and does everything they can to close these gaps and make better opportunities that explore or utilize outer space for the benefit of humanity and our space ship Earth.

When did you know you wanted to go into the Air Force? 

I initially joined the organization, Corps of Cadets, at Texas A&M University, to develop my skills as a leader. In part, I did Air Force ROTC activities and really fell in love with the mission, people, and career options. Around the same time, I went to Space Camp USA after my first year and realized I wanted to become an astronaut! Many astronauts have found their path towards selection through honorable careers in the military. It combines my passion, my duty to serve, and my long-term goals as an aspiring astronaut.  

What inspired you to found the Aggie Astronaut Corps program when you were attending Texas A&M?

A few months after I decided to become an astronaut, I was sitting in my classes wondering what to do next. We (aspiring astronauts) are usually told to study hard and to pursue what we love, however, without the right resources or mentorship, we rarely know how to start being active contributors to human spaceflight. I wanted a program where aspiring astronauts and researchers could develop themselves and create their own opportunities! The Texas A&M SEDS chapter was the perfect organization for this. 

Do you have a dream destination in the solar system — meaning, as an astronaut, what would you like to see/experience most?

With the destination of Mars, I’d love to summit Olympus Mons. A little farther out, Titan would be an amazing place to investigate and search for life among the methane lakes.

What did you enjoy most about being in the Brooke Owens Fellowship program?

EVERYTHING! Not only did I get my first internship, I had 3 days in D.C. with a whole new space family for the annual summit, which many of the 2019 “Brookies” just experienced. As an alumna, I have this sisterhood to lean on whenever I need an expert’s advice, a rant, or even a good laugh!

As an alumna, I have opportunities to serve as an officer to support the program. It’s a community to lean on AND lean into.

You’ve done two analog space missions including commanding one of them. What was this experience like and what was your biggest takeaway? 

My first one, at the Mars Desert Research Station, lasted about 2 weeks. It had more isolated and extreme conditions (imagine a winter in the Utah desert!) with a flexible schedule.

At Mars Academy USA, we were more confined in connected tents for 4 days, with a controlled schedule. I’ve learned that space analogs can look very different to serve different purposes.

Also, especially as a commander, I must prioritize the crew. It is a heavy task to look after the physical and emotionally well-being for individuals, enable good team cohesion, and still complete an objective. Although the experiences are tons of fun, it really makes me seriously [aware of] the social capabilities that are needed for long duration spaceflight.

Can you talk about what it’s like to attend the International Space University in France?

In 3 words, it’s Interdisciplinary, International, Intercultural.

We attempt to absorb the many fields related to space — Engineering, Science, Applications, Humanities, Policy, and Human Performance. At the same time, we are learning about everyone else’s culture and national interests. It was amazing to interact with people from 37 countries this year — from lawyers, entrepreneurs, designers, and scientists!  

It’s a lot to absorb within 9 weeks, but I can say that I now have wider net of understanding of the space world beyond engineering, beyond the U.S. point of view.

One surprise was my department: Policy, Economics, and Law. As an engineer, I thought I would be bored, but I became very interested in space policy! 

Along those same lines: What’s next for you after France?

I’m moving to Georgia to start my career as a Developmental Engineer, Active Duty. I’m very excited! I will stay involved with analog missions and hopefully get into human performance research. 

Can you talk a bit about your STEM advocacy and what drives you?

For me, knowing that things could have a real impact or be applied was important for my engagement. Many opportunities may seem like things you can only get involved with when you are more established in your career. However, I’ve done research, 2 space analog missions, rebuilt an organization, spoke at a conference — all within my 5 years as an undergraduate student. It’s empowering to discover what you can do now, no matter where you are in the long journey.

What advice do you have for young people who want to pursue a path similar to yours? 

My advice: don’t set your limits until you actually know them. Whether you are young or old, there is so much to learn about yourself and the world around you. But patient with yourself — none of this is a race to a finish line! 

Try to enjoy as much as you can, because the journey will be longer and more valuable than the destination. If I never become an astronaut, I know how much meaningful work I’ve done on the ground.

What are some of your hobbies you enjoy in your free time?

I love to play and write music! Back home, I’ve been learning to play the mountain dulcimer (or Appalachian dulcimer). Along with playing music, I love to dance.

Who (modern day or historical) inspires you?

Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to receive a pilot license and a brilliant aviatrix. When she was denied at U.S. pilot schools, she traveled to France to get certified. She only flew for airshows that allowed black people to attend. She is an example of committing to your passion, but also leveraging your skills for justice and activism. I wish I learned about her in aviation history.

Do you have any favorite fictional STEM characters (engineers, pilots, astronauts, etc) in books/movies/other art forms? 

Shuri from Black Panther! She has confidence, wit, and an insatiable desire to solve problems with technology.

If you were a superhero, what would your go-to wearable tech device be?

It would be a fitted shirt that could expand to become an emergency space suit for the vacuum of space. You know, in case I find myself redirecting a Near Earth Object someday.

Where can people find you online? (Web, Twitter, Instagram, YT, Github, Facebook, Patreon etc.)

To learn more about Makiah Eustice and to keep up with her adventures, check out her website and follow Makiah on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!