Leticia Pacheco
Saint Louis,Missouri
Summary
I am a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering, minoring in Robotics, with a strong drive to apply my technical knowledge to real-world challenges. My goal is to expand my expertise in aerospace systems and robotics to contribute to cutting-edge innovations in both space exploration and sustainable infrastructure. I am actively involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as a Board Member for Engineers Without Borders USA, where I contribute to designing a sustainable drinking water system for a community in Guatemala. Additionally, I am gaining hands-on experience as part of the Space Systems Research Laboratory, where I am training in the Communications Subsystem for the Sardonyx Mission, preparing to lead communication systems for close-proximity space operations. My passion for engineering extends beyond the classroom, as I am committed to engaging with campus communities to create lasting positive impacts, whether through my technical contributions or leadership roles. I aim to combine my academic achievements with practical, socially responsible applications of engineering to shape the future of technology and global development.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Co-President
BRASA (Brazilian Student Association) SLU Chapter
Saint Louis, MO
09.2024 - Current
- Lead and manage the Saint Louis University BRASA chapter, an international, interdisciplinary student group promoting Brazilian studies in various fields, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
- Foster a strong community of support for Brazilian, Brazilian-American, and students with an interest in Brazilian culture, history, and development.
- Collaborate with university faculty and students to strengthen ties between American universities and Brazil, creating a platform for students to contribute to the improvement of Brazil through research, advocacy, and exchange programs.
- Organize and oversee events, including guest speakers, cultural exchanges, and collaborative academic projects, to raise awareness of Brazilian studies and to support students in their academic and career pursuits.
- Focus on three main pillars of action: pre-college, college, and post-graduation, helping students prepare for academic opportunities related to Brazil, succeed in their current studies, and transition to professional paths post-graduation.
- Work to build long-lasting relationships between Brazilian scholars, Brazilian-American students, and peers interested in Brazil, promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic growth.
Engineering & Community Engagement Lead – EWB-USA
Engineers Without Borders – Guatemala Project
Saint Louis, Missouri
08.2024 - Current
- Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) is a non-profit humanitarian organization that empowers communities to meet their basic human needs through sustainable engineering solutions. EWB-USA engages skilled volunteers to design and implement infrastructure projects that have a lasting impact on underserved communities.
- Lead the structural design and planning of a sustainable drinking water system for a rural community in Guatemala.
- Oversee key structural components, including source catchments, storage tanks, and foundations, ensuring durability and long-term functionality.
- Actively participate in strategic decision-making as part of the Board Team, contributing to project direction and execution.
- Conduct site assessments, community engagement, and logistical planning to facilitate smooth project implementation.
- Work alongside engineers, students, and community members to develop innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.
- Apply engineering expertise to create a lasting impact, improving access to safe drinking water for the community.
Board Member | Communications Subsystem Engineer
Space Systems Research Laboratory (SSRL)
Saint Louis, Missouri
08.2024 - Current
- Undergoing training in the Communications Subsystem for the Sardonyx Mission, a technology demonstration for agile, close-proximity operations (0–10 meters) in space.
- Preparing to assume the role of Communications Subsystem Lead, overseeing the integration, testing, and optimization of spacecraft communication systems.
- Developing expertise in radio-frequency (RF) communication, ensuring data link reliability, signal integrity, and real-time telemetry for spacecraft-to-ground and inter-spacecraft communication.
- Gaining hands-on experience in system engineering processes and communication architecture, supporting 6DOF control systems and autonomous response capabilities.
- Collaborating with the mission team to optimize bandwidth usage and ensure mission success during learned autonomy for event detection and response.
- Training to lead a team in coordinating and managing communication systems during spacecraft operations, aligning with mission goals to demonstrate new space technologies.
Article Author
For All Magazine – Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
08.2024 - 03.2025
- The article is set to be published in the next For All Magazine volume, a platform funded by the National Science Foundation (DMS-2405453), and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Saint Louis University, which highlights student contributions to the mathematical community.
- Conducted a study on identifying candidate galaxies with mathematical conditions similar to Messier 87, enabling the application of the CHIRP algorithm to search for galaxies and black holes similar to M87.
- Focused on four galaxies within the Virgo Cluster—Messier 85, Messier 86, Messier 49, and Messier 60—examining their size, distance, and characteristics to evaluate their potential for black hole imaging using the Bouman algorithm.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO05-2027
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Collaboration and Cross-functional Teamwork
- Community Engagement and Outreach
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Project Coordination and Logistics
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Research and Data Interpretation
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Portuguese
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Book Contribution: Authored a chapter in Science and Mathematics Education and Teaching - Research and Application of New Trends, demonstrating innovative approaches in science and mathematics education.
- Third Place – Brazilian Young Scientists' Fair (FECB), Exact and Earth Sciences Category: Recognized for outstanding research and innovative contributions in the scientific field.
- Award for Most Challenging, Original, Thorough, and Creative Investigation – Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (FEBRACE): Honored for research excellence and unique problem-solving approach in mathematics.
- Silver Medal – FITEC (Fórum Internacional de Tecnologia e Engenharia): Awarded for exceptional research and innovative contributions in technology and engineering.
Timeline
Co-President
BRASA (Brazilian Student Association) SLU Chapter
09.2024 - Current
Engineering & Community Engagement Lead – EWB-USA
Engineers Without Borders – Guatemala Project
08.2024 - Current
Board Member | Communications Subsystem Engineer
Space Systems Research Laboratory (SSRL)
08.2024 - Current
Article Author
For All Magazine – Saint Louis University
08.2024 - 03.2025
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Saint Louis University
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