Donna Jennings

Dr. Donna Jennings is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), joining the faculty in Fall 2023. She holds a B.S. (2016) and Ph.D. (2023) in Aerospace Engineering from Missouri S&T. Her research focuses on educational research methodologies, small satellite systems, astrodynamics, and spacecraft mission design. She actively mentors the University’s Satellite Research Team and contributes to high-altitude balloon summer camps.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2023)
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2016)

Research Highlights: Dr. Jennings integrates educational innovation with aerospace engineering, emphasizing hands-on student projects like satellite design and orbital mechanics applications. Her expertise spans mission design for small satellites and orbital dynamics, supported by industry-relevant collaborations.

Awards:

• 2020 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellow
• 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award Nominee (Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools)

Advising & Outreach: She leads student teams in satellite research and organizes annual high-altitude balloon projects, fostering practical engineering skills. Her teaching emphasizes bridging theoretical concepts with real-world aerospace challenges.

Labs/Teams: Satellite Research Team, High-Altitude Balloon Summer Camp.