Secretary – Truc Le

Truc Le

is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Biological and Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Queensland.

In her professional career, she has taken up research positions at the UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the UQ School of Psychology where she was able to lead projects in the realm of biosciences and neurobiology. Her keen interest in the aerospace industry, as well as her drive to volunteer led her to join the AYAA, where she is currently the chair of the 2020 Australian Youth Aerospace Forum.

Truc’s involvement began in 2019; as a student liaison for the 2019 Australian Youth Aerospace Forum as well as the Event Coordinator for the AYAA Queensland Branch. With her background in biology and love for the aerospace and aviation industry, Truc is particularly interested in encouraging students to diverge from their original career pathways and diversify their skillset.

Treasurer – Henry Lourey

Henry Lourey

currently studies at Monash University, undertaking a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering & Bachelor of Science.

His interest in aviation & space developed through being fascinated with planes at a young age. By competing in the 2019 AURC he became hooked, wanting to contribute more by getting involved with the AYAA.

Henry is continuing to explore career options within in the aerospace industry, however, believes anything involving space exploration (space systems) would be incredible. As treasurer, his goal is to streamline financial processes and continue to increase the budget within the AYAA.

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.