Vaishnavi Suresh

Aerospace Engineering @ UC Irvine | Launch Vehicle Engineer @ UCI Rocket Project Solids | Vice President @ AIAA

San Ramon, California, United States

About

Hello! My name is Vaishnavi Suresh, and I am a freshman at the University of California, Irvine. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. I’m passionate about rocketry and robotics, and have hands-on technical experience, including earning my Level 1 High Power Rocketry Certification. I’m currently seeking internships and research opportunities that align with my interests in aerospace engineering and design. Feel free to contact me at: • Personal - [email protected] • University - [email protected]

Experience

  • Launch Vehicle Engineer at UCI Rocket Project Solids
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    - Conducted research on mandrel options by examining aluminum, blue tube, and PVC materials, and finalized mandrel selection based on a weighted decision matrix criteria - Created a wood-based mandrel setup and determined its structural integrity with force simulations - Developed CAD models for airframe components in SolidWorks for Night Fury (test rocket) and Light Fury (competition rocket) - Manufactured all airframe components for Night Fury and Light Fury using carbon fiber and fiberglass composite layups, and completed post-processing with precision Dremel trimming, sanding, and epoxy surface finishing - Supporting system-level integration of the launch vehicle by ensuring avionics, payload, and propulsion subsystems properly interface within the vehicle to achieve competition readiness for the 2026 IREC 10K SRAD Solid category

  • AIAA Student Branch at UCI (8 mos)
    • Vice President
      Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

      - Coordinating meetings, events, and outreach activities to increase engagement and passion for aviation within the organization - Restructured board roles to increase output efficiency and currently handling the recruitment process

    • Presidential Intern
      Nov 2025 - Mar 2026 · 5 mos

  • Bharatanatyam Dancer at Avahita at UCI
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    - Train in Bharatanatyam as part of UCI Avahita: a competitive Indian classical dance team - Competed in the Origins Competition circuit, placing 3rd (trophy standing)

  • Level 1 High Power Rocketry Certification at National Association of Rocketry
    Jun 2024 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

    - Created a CAD model of my rocket using OpenRocket software and conducted simulations to optimize flight performance - Built a rocket powered by an H128-W motor as a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) - Passed NAR written exam with a perfect score (25/25) - Successfully completed launch and recovery to earn certification

  • California High School Robotics (3 yrs 11 mos)
    • Board Member
      Jan 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

      - Manage club communications with 200+ members through emails & announcements - Organize club competitions and middle school summer camps & day events - Oversee club motions and board meetings

    • Competition Team
      Jun 2023 - Jun 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      - Lead Builder and Designer for Team 1516A at California High School - Manage 275+ page engineering notebook: secured team Design Award x3 - Prepare team members for competition interview: secured team Inspire Award

    • Club Member
      Aug 2021 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 11 mos