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“I know what it feels like to walk into a room and be the only woman at the table. I’ve been there. That experience drives me to remind other women that they’ve earned their place.”

Autumn Ohl, ’25, exemplifies dedication to her craft, community and the future of young scholars in STEM. Frequent visits to the Kennedy Space Center as a child sparked her love for NASA and space, and by eighth grade, she knew she wanted to become an engineer. While earning her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Autumn actively gave back to her Golden Flashes community, a commitment she continues as she pursues a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at �鶹����.

Devoted to supporting peers and young scholars, Autumn has made significant strides early in her career. As project manager for the High-Powered Rocket Team, she led more than 40 students in designing, building and testing rockets, earning first place in the 10k Student Researched and Developed (SRAD) category at the 2022 Spaceport America Cup.

“Supporting students and helping them find their passion and confidence is what makes it all worth it,” Autumn said.

As co-founder and vice president of the Women in Engineering Club, Autumn helped grow the group from five officers to more than 40 active members. She has fostered a supportive environment for women in engineering through professional development events and networking opportunities, driving passion among young women interested in STEM.

“One of my proudest accomplishments was spearheading Introduce a Girl to

Engineering Day, where we invited local students to engage in hands-on STEM experiences and learn about engineering careers,” Autumn said.

Her passion for aerospace extends into undergraduate research, where she worked in the Sustainable Energy Lab on campus. Her projects included evaluating fuel cell efficiency, creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and preparing tubular cells for conductivity testing. Additionally, as a teaching assistant for materials and processes, she teaches essential lab skills such as welding and milling.

“I strive to inspire other students by leading by example and creating opportunities for them to engage in meaningful experiences,” Autumn said.

In her role as graphic design and digital media assistant for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, Autumn helps organize major events like career fairs, expos, conferences and networking sessions. She has played a key part in strengthening student engagement and ensuring engineering organizations receive continued support and resources, even after her graduation, she said.

Autumn’s involvement extends beyond the Kent Campus. By working with FIRST Robotics Challenge and FIRST Lego League and visiting local schools, she inspires students to explore STEM. She also represents the College of Aeronautics and Engineering as a student speaker for Future Flash Days, helping prospective students learn about opportunities at Kent State and demonstrating her deep commitment to making a lasting impact.

“Whether leading a rocket competition, conducting fuel cell research or pioneering initiatives for women in engineering, I strive to make a tangible impact in every aspect of my academic journey,” Autumn said.

Currently, Autumn is advancing her professional goals as a manufacturing engineer co-op at Howmet Aerospace, while remaining a vital leader within the Kent State community. Balancing graduate coursework with research, leadership, employment and a 3.450 GPA, she embodies dedication to academic excellence.

Her efforts have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the PSCT Hiram B. Scholarship, the Presidential Achievement Award Scholarship and the USCTI Scholarship, recognizing her academic performance, leadership and contributions to the engineering field.

“I have known Autumn since her first year,” said Michael R. Fisch, associate professor of Applied Engineering. “Autumn will be an outstanding engineer. Her personality, work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement will make her a leader in her field, and her persistence will ensure that the projects she works on will be successfully completed.”