Zenith Fellow Mentee, Class of 2023
Simon Fraser University, Bachelor of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Mentor: Bryn Orth-Lashley

Christianna (Tianna) is a student at Simon Fraser University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering with a minor in International Studies (environmental concentration).

Growing up she has always been curious about the world around her, asking “why” things are the way they are and how to improve them. This led her to learn about all aspects of the world, from politics and global development to sustainability and engineering. With such varied interests, she noticed that there was a divide between the arts and the sciences, which led to her passion for finding ways to bridge that gap. She wants to educate others on how STEM and the arts must work together to improve society and the world, especially in the face of today’s climate crisis. Being a big space nerd, she found that space exploration is a great way to merge these fields and become an advocate for STE(A)M education and breaking barriers for others to get involved.

This led her to join Space for Exploration and Development Canada (SEDS-Canada), where she is currently volunteering as the Regional Representative and Affiliate Coordinator. In this position, she communicates with students and student organizations across Canada wanting to get other students involved in space and the space industry.

Since last summer, Tianna has been interning in the Canadian Space Agency’s Green Operations department, working to analyze the CSA’s environmental impact and policies. This includes helping with the CSA’s annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Report and Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy. From working at the CSA Tianna hopes to continue her work in the aerospace sector and apply her sustainability and clean technology knowledge to future space missions!

With a passion for creativity, outside of school, Tianna loves to share her ideas, write stories, create poetry, and take photos. Last year she released her first poetry book “Where We Grow” highlighting topics of self-growth, mental health, and advocacy (and even a few space references).

Tianna believes that getting involved and learning about space is for anyone with a curious mind regardless of educational background – which is why she is looking forward to being part of the 2023 class of Zenith fellows as a mentee!