From childhood dreams to space innovation: Lassonde alumna shares her path to the aerospace industry

“Contributing to the future of space exploration is something that I have always dreamed of,” said Megan Gran, 2023 graduate of the Space Engineering program at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering.

Gran is currently employed as an engineering trainee at Magellan Aerospace, where she is applying her academic degree in a dynamic industry setting. Magellan aerospace specializes in advanced space technologies and satellite systems, leading projects from spacecraft manufacturing to mission support. In her role, Gran works closely with seasoned professionals on complex engineering tasks and contributes to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.

“When I was growing up, I always said that I wanted to build robots for space, but I never really thought about how to make it happen,” she said. “So, when I found out that Lassonde has a Space Engineering program, I immediately went for it. Now, it feels like everything has come full circle – my current role perfectly aligns with my childhood dreams and aspirations.”

Gran’s experience at Lassonde has been pivotal in her transition to the aerospace industry. From specialized courses to experiential learning opportunities, the Space Engineering program equipped her with the skills needed to excel. This unique program, the only one of its kind in Ontario, is tailored to provide students with a comprehensive education in advanced space technologies and concepts, while preparing the next generation of leaders in the field.

Megan Gran at Andøya Space Centre, where she participated in a rocket launch program in 2019.

During her time at Lassonde, Gran also completed the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) Certificate, a program designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking in science and engineering students. Her achievements were recognized when she received the prestigious Bergeron Medal, the highest honour awarded in the BEST program for excellence in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Gran also pursued a co-op opportunity at KPM Power where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in an industry setting. She supported engineering processes from start to finish, which allowed her to explore her interests and identify her strengths. This opportunity was not only crucial in building technical and professional skills, but also helped shape her career path in the aerospace industry.

“I use knowledge and skills developed from my university degree all the time,” she explained. “When I share what I learned in school with my colleagues, they’re often blown away. The advanced courses I took, like space mission design, planetary science and payload design have been instrumental in preparing me for my current role. Learning from professors who have industry experience also provided me with valuable insights that benefited my transition to industry.”

With the continued support of Lassonde, Gran is equipped to thrive in the advanced world of aerospace engineering. Her academic and experiential learning have laid a strong foundation for her current role and future endeavours. Gran’s journey exemplifies the significance of academic preparation and professional application, highlighting how Lassonde’s Space Engineering program and dedicated faculty are instrumental in preparing students for success.