Rocketing Toward Graduate Success

Meet Ryan Lewis: USU Mechanical Engineering alumnus, Astronaut Scholar and current Purdue University graduate student.

Lewis' fascination with engineering began during his childhood in Moab, Utah. His father had a small workshop at home, often working on household projects. Lewis would gather leftover scraps—bits of wire, wood, old motors—and tinker with them, building small creations like motorboats and toy cranes. At the time, he didn't realize this hands-on curiosity had a name. It wasn't until years later, when he built his own rocket motor, that Lewis truly saw the connection between his childhood tinkering and the field of engineering.

Reflecting on his early days as a freshman, he recalls feeling hesitant to get involved and sometimes struggled with imposter syndrome. But by the end of his time at USU, Lewis had become deeply engaged in research, student clubs and shaping his future beyond his time on campus.

"If I could give any advice to a freshman, it would be this: don't wait until you think you're ‘qualified' to participate," said Lewis. "You need to jump in and get involved as soon and as much as you possibly can."

During his time at USU, he was involved in the Rocketry Team, Engineering Undergraduate Research Scholars program, and the Grand Challenges Scholars Program. In addition, he was a recipient of the Astronaut Scholarship from the Astronaut Scholars Foundation. He received fellowships from the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Undergraduate Research, and Creative Opportunities Grant from USUs Office of Research. Lewis was also named a College of Engineering Outstanding Pre-Professional student in 2023.

During his senior year, Lewis and the rest of the Rocketry Club attended the International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas. The team overall placed 19th out of 109 teams.

"The rocket was a magnet at the conference," said Lewis. "I don't know if there was ever a single second that we didn't have somebody at the table asking about things like the paint job or the air brakes. Not sound like I'm bragging, which I am, because I'm very proud, the team did a phenomenal job."

Lewis' next adventure has led him to Purdue University's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. There, he is pursuing graduate studies with Professor Timmothy Pourpoint on research related to rocket propellants and propulsion systems. This work will improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of next-generation propulsion technologies, which is an important step in advancing space exploration and making space more accessible.

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Writer: Madeline Buskirk, madeline.buskirk@usu.edu, 435-797-7512