Originally from Broomfield, Colorado, Kathryn (Kate) Lampo is a senior at Columbia University studying Mechanical Engineering. Her work focuses on robotics for aerospace applications, and she hopes to one day contribute to the development of robotic systems that enable the scientific exploration of our solar system. In the UK, she plans to study extreme-environment mobile robotics at Oxford as she earns her MSc by Research in Engineering Science. At Columbia, Kate is the current Co-President of the Columbia Space Initiative (CSI), where she leads over 250 students working on 13 projects related to space science and engineering. She’s also, the Structures and Thermals Co-Lead for CSI’s cube satellite team, where she’s working on developing Columbia’s first two satellites for launch in 2025 and 2027. Outside of CSI, Kate conducts research in Columbia’s Robotic Manipulation and Mobility Laboratory, where she works on designing and building robotic manipulators. Currently, she’s working on a robotic hand for Astrobee, a free-flying robot on the International Space Station.

Beyond her technical work, Kate is dedicated to expanding access to STEM and aerospace education and has recently worked to develop and implement an aerospace engineering minor at Columbia. As CSI’s former Director of Outreach, she has also volunteered extensively in schools throughout NYC, developing and delivering lessons on aerospace engineering concepts to thousands of middle school students during the past three years. Kate was recently named one of Aviation Week’s 20 Twenties, an award which recognizes students and young professionals on course to change the face of the aerospace industry. She is honored to have been named a Marshall Scholar and looks forward to spending the next two years in the UK!