Alum, Rachita Puri, Visits Air & Space Community Conversation

On Monday, January 24^th, Ohio State Battelle Center welcomed back one of our alums, Rachita Puri, to speak at our Air & Space Community Conversation Series.

Rachita is an Aerospace Engineer at the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA-AST) in Washington D.C. In her current role, she is involved with the comprehensive licensing process to authorize U.S. commercial space operations. She works with a variety of organizations, including government entities and private corporations, to steer the process of ensuring public safety for commercial space launches.

In her time with Ohio State Battelle Center, Rachita was a regular member of our Air & Space Student Community and was able to secure an internship in Poland as well as travel to Washington D.C. for the International Astronautical Congress in 2019. Rachita noted how important these experiences have been to her development as a professional.

“To say it broadened my worldview is an understatement,” Rachita said.

She emphasized that her experiences at Ohio State allowed her to develop her communication skills to effectively connect with professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Now, she is better equipped to talk with other engineers as well as policy makers and even military decision-makers about technical aspects of her work. It also has given her a better understanding of the aerospace industry.

“I’ve been able to step outside of my nice broad window and immerse myself in the aerospace industry.”

Rachita spoke to the 30+ students in attendance about the licensing process at the Federal Aviation Administration and how she participates in facilitating the relationship between the FAA and other organizations. Students have a better understanding of the goals of the FAA. In understanding this process, students interested in human flight get a better sense of what their work in the industry fits into the larger picture.

At the end, Rachita answered questions about how OSU helped her prepare for her future in the industry, outlandish requests during her time working, and her advice on transitioning from a student to a professional.

“I’m taking the involved kid mentality that was engrained in me at Ohio State. I would encourage you to put yourself out there as soon as possible,” Rachita told students.