Zenith Fellow Mentee, Class of 2025
Western University, Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Physics
Mentor: David Kendall

Kira has always loved big questions about the universe. Her passion for learning inspired Kira to pursue a dual degree in Mechatronics Systems Engineering with a major in physics, allowing her to uniquely bridge the gap between theory and application. She is interested in developing space technologies because the harsh environment of space poses engaging challenges, and solving them can improve life on earth and even reveal insights about physics.

Kira is the communications team lead of the Western Skylark CubeSat mission, a CSA funded initiative to design, build, and test a 3U satellite. Skylark’s mission is to broaden Birds Canada’s research on migratory birds by extending a coordinated automated radio telemetry system to Northern Canada. Alongside her team, Kira is responsible for modelling the antenna radiation patterns, developing link budgets to ensure signal strength, testing the transceiver and antenna, licensing the spacecraft, and coordinating with other subteams. Kira is happy to share her enthusiasm for CubeSats. She has represented Skylark at numerous events, ranging from a girls in aviation day to a CUBICS workshop.

Kira is grateful for her community and chooses to give back as an Engineering Student Ambassador, helping to guide incoming students. She is a frequent participant in the Women in Engineering Club because she recognizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and loves meeting others at conferences and other engineering events.

Since grade two, Kira had enjoyed cross country running, and has trained as part of Western’s Varsity team for the past three years. She sets ambitious goals, and finds balance in taking time to run every day. Kira likes to cook and bake, have adventures with friends, explore nature, and write poems and novels about space.

Through joining the Zenith fellowship, Kira’s passion for space has only increased, and she is excited to continue to learn and gain exposure to space related projects.