FERNANDO TABARES
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2022
Purdue University, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Science in Physics
Host Company: Relativity Space
Fernando Tabares is a Mechanical Engineering graduate student at Purdue University. Fernando completed his B.S. in Physics at the University of Pittsburgh, where he founded the institution’s SEDS chapter and led the rocketry team as part of the NASA Student Launch. He also created a team to participate in the NASA Mars Ice and Prospecting Challenge, where he contributed to the development of a novel water extraction system for Mars. Most recently he worked as an intern at SpaceX, helping to increase the production rate of Raptor Vacuum engines. His professional goal is to accelerate the establishment of a permanent human presence on Mars by tackling engine manufacturing problems. Outside of STEM he enjoys drawing, practicing mixed martial arts, and playing soccer with his dog.