Rose Gunn ’14 graduated from Penn State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological engineering. While in college, she interned in Washington D.C., as a systems engineer for a government contracting company, where she continued to work as a full-time systems engineer after graduation, primarily at the Pentagon. In June 2020, she began working for The Boeing Company, where she currently serves as a spacecraft engineer. She looks forward to completing her master’s degree in space systems engineering virtually from Stevens Institute of Technology. Rose currently lives in the Northern Virginia area (Arlington) with her husband, Louis, and their dog, Hoagie.
What inspired you to pursue a career in space systems engineering?
Growing up, I had a love for science and always told my parents I was going to be a scientist. I guess I’m not too far off from that now. I actually wanted to major in aerospace engineering at Penn State and an advisor in college told me it was too specific and I should do something more broad. Well, looking back, if I can give anyone any advice, it is to follow what your gut instinct is telling you. While I was working as a systems engineer, I always listened to NASA podcasts and followed space industry news. I had a friend who worked for Boeing on the space side of the company in the D.C. area and he told me there was a position open on his contract. I applied, got an interview, and they ended up giving me a chance without an aerospace engineering degree. I made the most of it and now I am a senior-level engineer on my team, a lead of multiple vehicle subsystem teams, and have specialized knowledge in Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C).
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your success in your academic and professional pursuits?
Kellenberg Memorial most definitely helped me develop my hard work ethic. I am very diligent in my work and fully research topics before I speak to them. Taking all of those trimester and comprehensive exams taught me about time management and that hard work pays off if you put in the time to study and learn. I was able to go to Penn State and get into their engineering program on their main campus from the curriculum and grades I had at Kellenberg.
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in space systems engineering?
My advice to current students and young alumni interested in pursuing a career in space systems engineering is to always put yourself out there and go for what you want. Companies are always looking for hard workers and go-getters. If you’re passionate about something, let that be what drives you to accomplish your goals and to get that dream job. You should also use connections if you can, whether that be fellow Kellenberg alumni, college alumni, or previous coworkers. Everyone goes through the same process when looking for a first job or a new job, and people are willing to put in a good word if they know you’re a hard worker and passionate about what you do.
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
I have very fond memories of my different PREP assignments with both Mr. Champney and Mr. Cioffi. They always made PREP a lot of fun and truly related to the students, which really stuck with me. I also loved having Mrs. Strauss as my senior Christian Existence teacher. You could really tell how much she cared about her students and always wanted the best for us. (I would include Mr. Basile, but I never actually had him as a teacher and that’s probably cheating since he’s my uncle.)
