Spotlight on a Rising Star: Deeksha’s inspirational journey from India to the UK
In celebration of Women in Engineering Day, we're shining a light on Deeksha, a first year Aerospace Engineering student at Swansea University. We met her in January while filming our Merlin Flight simulators, where her hands on work in the simulation labs stood out immediately. Raised in a small village near Karnal, India the same region as Kalpana Chawla Deeksha’s path to aerospace has been shaped by grit, passion, and a deep curiosity about the universe. Let’s hear more about her journey and the early experiences that sparked her ambition.
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing in India where did you grow up, and what was school life like?
I grew up in a small village near Karnal in Haryana, India the same region where Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman astronaut, was born. Coming from a humble background, I was raised in a family that valued education above all, even when resources were limited. My father, a teacher himself, always encouraged me to chase knowledge relentlessly. School life wasn't easy I often had to juggle responsibilities at home with academics but I was fortunate to have received academic scholarships throughout. I studied in a Hindi-medium government school in my early years, and gradually transitioned to English-medium education through hard work and support.
Q2: What first sparked your interest in science or technology as a young girl?
My fascination began the day I read about the Chandrayaan mission and saw images of rockets launching into space. It was like watching magic backed by math. The sky stopped being a limit it became a destination. Later, reading about Kalpana Chawla's journey from the same soil as mine deeply moved me. I started conducting astronomy classes for underprivileged children in nearby areas, and took every opportunity be it a summer course, online NASA classes, or free lectures to dive deeper into the science of space.
Q3: Were you encouraged to pursue engineering by your family or teachers, or did you have to overcome resistance?
My family has always supported my dreams, especially my father. In a community where girls are often expected to settle for "safe" careers, I was encouraged to choose aerospace because it excited me. Of course, I faced resistance not within my home but in the societal expectations around me. But I was lucky to have teachers and mentors who believed in me and constantly reminded me that it's okay to dream differently.
Q4: Why did you choose Aerospace Engineering and what drew you to study at Swansea University?
I choose Aerospace Engineering because it combines everything I love physics, exploration, problem solving and pushing boundaries. Swansea stood out because of its strong research focus, its connection with the aerospace industry and the welcoming environment for international Thrive Bursary, which made it financially viable for me. It felt like the right place to grow both technically and personally.
Q5: How has your transition been from India to studying in the UK both academically and personally?
It's been transformative. Academically, adapting to a more research driven and practical approach was initially a challenge, but I now truly enjoy it. Personally it's been a journey of discovering independence. From managing everything on my own to becoming the Student Representative for Aerospace Engineering and leading events for our Hindu Society, it's been empowering. I do miss home, especially the food and festivals, but I've built a second family here.
Q6: Have you held any specific positions like Women's Officer, project leader, or STEM ambassador? What impact have those roles had on you and others?
Yes, I'm currently the Student Leader and Representative for Aerospace Year 1 I've also organised and hosted national level events and personality development workshops in India, and even led free astronomy and English speaking classes for underprivileged kids. These roles have taught me how to listen, lead and create spaces for others to thrive. I want young girls to see leadership as something they're capable of not something they need to wait to be "ready" for.
Q7: What challenges have you faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes it's subtle being underestimated in a group project or not being taken seriously in technical discussions. Other times, it's the lack of representation that can feel isolating. I've learned to speak up, stay prepared and let my work speak for itself. I've also made it a point to lift others as I rise, especially women who might be hesitant to take the lead.
Q8: From your perspective, what are the main barriers preventing more women from entering or staying in Aerospace Engineering.
A mix of societal conditioning, lack of early exposure, and limited female role models. Girls often don't see themselves in engineering because they don't see someone like them already there. There's also the misconception that aerospace is too tough or not "meant for women." We need more inclusive representation and mentorship from early education onwards.
Q9: Do you think enough is being done at the university level to prepare and empower female engineers for industry?
There's progress, definitely universities are becoming more mindful about inclusivity and mentorship. But we still need more targeted efforts like networking events with women in the industry, scholarships, internships focused on diverse candidates and mental health support. Representation shouldn't just be symbolic; it should be built into the system.
Q10: What's your dream job or project in aerospace?
My dream is to contribute to human spaceflight missions or interplanetary exploration, either with ISRO, ESA or NASA. I'd love to work on propulsion systems or spacecraft design. And one day this might sound ambitious I'd love to become the next Indian woman in space.
Q11: Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now in terms of career, impact and personal growth?
In 10 years, I hope to be working on cutting edge space missions, maybe even designing systems for lunar on Martian exploration. I also want to set up a foundation back in India to mentor rural students, especially girls, to pursue STEM. Personally, I hope I continue to stay grounded, curious, and passionate about making science accessible.
Q12: What advice would you give to girls in India (or anywhere) who are interested in aerospace but feel intimidated?
Don't wait for permission to dream big. It's okay to be scared, but don't let fear make decisions for you. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and don't worry about being the only girl in the room be the reason there's one more. Also, never underestimate the power of self-learning; the internet is a great leveller.
Q13: What keeps you motivated on hard days? Is there a quote or mantra you live by?
One mantra I hold close is: "Your dreams are valid, even if they scare others." On hard days, I remind myself why I started because a younger version of me dared to dream beyond what she saw around her. That version of me still deserves everything I'm working towards.
Q14: Any final thoughts or messages for Women in Engineering Day?
Let's not just celebrate Women in Engineering let's normalise them. To every girl reading this: you belong here, your ideas matter, and the world needs your voice in labs, boardrooms and control rooms. Happy Women in Engineering Day!
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