JASON CHEN
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Class of 2024
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science
Host Company: SpaceX
Jason Chen is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Michigan studying aerospace engineering and computer science. He has always dreamed of exploring the stars or building the vehicle that gets us there—and is inspired by how human space exploration can drive innovation and optimism for everyone on Earth. His technical interests lie in propulsion systems design, bioastronautics, and machine learning applications in aerospace. During high school, he was a Regeneron ISEF Finalist, a Breakthrough Junior Challenge Finalist, and founded a liquid rocketry research nonprofit, Project Caelus. At Michigan, he led a Blue Origin payload team (NS-24) in avionics design and software architecting, and performs propulsion system analysis for MASA’s ME-5 kerolox engine. His previous work experience includes the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where he developed deep reinforcement learning control systems, and SpaceX, where he interned on the Raptor flight software team and the Starship propulsion systems hardware team. Outside of aerospace, Jason is an aspiring amateur filmmaker, an avid history buff, loves playing soccer and guitar, and is currently working towards his private pilot’s license.