Zenith Fellow Intern, Class of 2023
McMaster University, Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering
Host Organization: Xiphos Technologies
Mentor: Natalie Panek

From a young age, Julia was always looking up at the sky. This curiosity of what lies beyond our planet drove her to learn as much as she could about space through reading whatever books she could get her hands on. This search for knowledge ignited lifelong passions for space, innovation, and learning; passions that have stayed with her through her time at McMaster University, where she is in her third year of Mechatronics Engineering.

Julia has always enjoyed problem-solving and facing challenges head-on, which she does frequently as the airframe leads on the McMaster Rocketry team. There, she leads a group of five students in the design and fabrication of the body of a high-powered rocket that flies to 10,000 ft. She also enjoys sharing her passion for space with the community through her role as Vice President of Events at the McMaster Planetary Society. In this role, she has been involved with planning a variety of events to help students learn more about the space industry and how they can get involved.

Outside of school, Julia enjoys spending her time in nature, going camping and hiking. She also enjoys reading good books, baking, and spending time with her friends.

Julia hopes that in the future she can be a part of the incredible innovation happening in the space industry, which is why she’s so thrilled to be joining Xiphos Technologies as part of the Zenith Canada Pathways Fellowship this summer!