Vice President (Strategy) – Aiden Napier

Aiden Napier

is undertaking a Bachelor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science at the University of Queensland.

His first taste for aerospace began by participating in the Australian Space Design Competition. From then onwards, he knew he was invested in aerospace engineering leading him to involvement with the AYAA.

Aiden is inspired to find a job within the Australian aerospace industry, building himself up to perform settlement design work. His goal within the AYAA is to increase the awareness, encourage involvement and allow others living in regional areas to gain exposure to the industry.

Vice President (Operations) – Myrthe Snoeks

Myrthe Snoeks

is currently studying a Bachelor of [Mechanical & Aerospace] Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts  [Political Science & International Relations] at the University of Queensland (UQ).

Her main focus at this time is the development and growth potential of the international space industry. Showcasing how students and young professionals, in collaboration with academia and industry, can get involved and make a difference.

In addition to her studies, she has been actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities; from participation in the UQ Ventures programs to the development of UQ Space; which achieved first place in the AURC 2019 and 2020!

Myrthe has been an executive member of the AYAA since April 2019. She is a strong believer in the value of applying interdisciplinary and international perspectives; with the right people and the right attitude, nothing is impossible! 

President – Thien Nguyen

Thien Nguyen

has recently completed his degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Adelaide, and is currently based in Queensland working in the engineering team at HeliMods.

Thien’s time with the AYAA began in the SA committee as an event coordinator in 2018. After this, he was a student leader at the 2018 Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF), logistics coordinator for the Australian Universities Rocket Competition (AURC) 2019 season, before moving into the National Committee as the National Engagement Manager in 2019.

Outside of AYAA, Thien has worked to develop social enterprises, participated in student engineering teams, helped to write white papers to the United Nations, and presented papers at the International Astronautical Congress.

Thien has a passion for the commercial aerospace and space industry, and in particular, engineering for sustainability.

SA Rep – Mohammad Muhtasim Mirza

Mohammmad Muhtasim Mirza

is studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in his second year at the University of Adelaide.

His passion was driven from aviation documentaries and delving into textbook chapters relating to aerospace.

Mirza is eager to learn about opportunities with some of the big space exploration companies. His goal within the AYAA is to reach out to the wider community to make the organisation more vocal.

AF Chair – Johnny Dessoulavy

Johnny Dessoulavy

is undertaking a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at Monash University, expecting to graduate mid 2022.

His passion for aerospace began at a young age watching Star Trek & Star Gate, seeing the endless possibilities of space exploration.

Johnny one day hopes to be exploring the solar system as an astronaut. As the Chair of the Aerospace Futures Conference his goal is to run a safe and impactful event.

Legal Officer – Giulietta Holborn

Giulietta Holborn

is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Notre Dame.

Through being interested in the legal issues that may be encountered in aerospace, her passion led her to the AYAA, serving as the Notre Dame representative on the WA committee, before her legal officer position.

Guilietta is aspiring to be a lawyer and hopes to support the rest of the national committee in achieving their goals.