Mia Skeers

She/Her
Class of 2026
Major:  Aerospace Engineering
Hometown:  Rancho Cucamonga, CA

What inspired you to become a ClarkLEADER?
I think ClarkLEAD helps new engineering students feel like they are immediately part of a larger community. Engineering can be a competitive and daunting industry, but Maryland fosters an inclusive atmosphere. ClarkLEAD introduces students to this environment, and I wanted to be a part of making others feel welcome.

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
I enjoyed talking to my tablemates about our experiences in STEM so far, and learning about each other's backgrounds and hopes for the future.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering students? 
Don't worry if you don't have certain engineering experience yet... there will be those who know how to solder, CAD, code, etc but that doesn't mean you are behind. You came to college the learn those things, and there are plenty of others in that same boat.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you are involved with on campus?  
I am involved in SEDS (Students for the Exploration Development) in their Satellite Fabrication (SATFAB) Structures team, as well as inventory manager. I am also in FLEXUS Living and Learning Community, which is an engineering program that fosters diversity and inclusion, and WIAA (Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics).

What is a cool engineering experience you've had? 
In my first semester Aerospace class, I got to test a model SR-72 Blackbird in a wind tunnel, which was super cool.