Aerospace Pioneer Merri Sanchez Empowers Future Engineers

Merri J. Sanchez, a distinguished aerospace engineer and Texas A&M University alumna, has made significant strides in her field while giving back to future generations. Inspired by a childhood fascination with space, Sanchez has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades at NASA, culminating in her current role as a Technical Fellow at The Aerospace Corporation. To support aspiring aerospace engineers, she has established the Merri J. Sanchez ’85 Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M.

Growing up in rural Colorado, Sanchez was captivated by space after witnessing the historic Apollo 11 launch. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for aerospace engineering. A family connection with the late Frank Hubert, former chancellor of Texas A&M, opened doors for Sanchez, who ultimately pursued her dream at the university. Upon admission, she received the President’s Achievement Scholarship, which played a crucial role in her educational journey.

During her time at Texas A&M, Sanchez became actively involved in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student branch. “This organization gave me the opportunity to get to know and work with other students in my major,” Sanchez reflected. Her leadership experience within AIAA fostered a commitment to the aerospace community, leading to a lifetime membership and various positions, including vice president.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M, Sanchez advanced her education at the University of Houston. She obtained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on planetary geology, followed by a Ph.D. in industrial engineering. Her academic pursuits coincided with a successful career trajectory at NASA. Starting as a vehicle integration test engineer, Sanchez ultimately served as a liaison to key military organizations, including the U.S. Air Force Space Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

After departing from NASA, Sanchez continued to contribute to the aerospace sector through various roles, including her current position at The Aerospace Corporation. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Colorado Space Heroes Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Outstanding Alumni Honor Award from Texas A&M’s College of Engineering in 2016.

In reflecting on her success, Sanchez emphasizes the importance of giving back to the institution that fostered her ambitions. “From the moment I graduated, I wanted to give back to the university,” she stated. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to the Texas A&M Foundation, the College of Engineering, and, particularly, the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Sanchez’s involvement extends beyond financial support. She has served on various advisory boards, including the Department of Aerospace Engineering External Advisory Board and the College of Engineering External Advisory Council. Through her scholarship endowment, she aims to ease the financial burden for students pursuing aerospace engineering at Texas A&M, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to follow in her footsteps.

Endowments like Sanchez’s play a critical role in shaping the educational landscape for students in the College of Engineering. Those interested in supporting Texas A&M’s engineering initiatives are encouraged to reach out to development officers for more information on how to contribute.