RYAN SMITHERS
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2023
Yale University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate in Computer Science
Host Company: ABL Space Systems
Ryan Smithers is a junior at Yale University studying Mechanical Engineering. He is passionate about improving orbital launch capabilities and developing in-space propulsion systems for planetary exploration. Ryan is the founder of Project Liquid, the first initiative in the Ivy League to build a bi-propellant liquid rocket engine. He has worked with Northrop Grumman to streamline manufacturing processes for its Mission Extension Pod and Hall Effect Thruster programs, as well as Moog Aircraft's V-22 Osprey program. Besides his academic pursuits, Ryan is an NCAA athlete in cross country and track at Yale.