Emirati space prodigy Alia Almansoori on shooting for the stars
(Courtesy of Alia Almansoori)
Indian student Ipsita Thakre interviews Alia about breaking stereotypes in STEM and making it to space one day.
I’ve always been a space enthusiast. The beauty of supernovas, stars, moons, planets and galaxies. The untouched environments waiting for discovery. The possibility of a parallel universe. All these things fill me with wonder and optimism.
But while space is limitless, the study of space is quite limited, especially for young women like me.
While preparing for the entrance exam of IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology), I discovered that 90% of the alumni are men. Learning this disheartening news made me wonder whether young women are able to succeed in this field. I questioned myself and if I could achieve my dream of becoming an aerospace engineer.
However, I recently got the chance to speak with Alia Almansoori — an Emirati space prodigy — who helped remind me that young women are just as capable as boys. As the youngest-ever Scientific Research Fellow at New York University Abu Dhabi and the founder of Emirati Astronaut, Alia has already broken so many stereotypes in STEM at the early age of 18. She aspires to be a scientist and plans to make it to space one day, just like me.
I was super excited to interact with Alia and found we had a lot in common as young women of color in industries dominated by men. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
Ipsita Thakre (IT): What inspired you to start Emirati Astronaut? What do you hope to accomplish through this platform?
Alia Almansoori (AA): I started Emirati Astronaut because I felt that there needed to be space in my community for people to share their ideas on the different sciences. Through the platform Emirati Astronaut I started Project Youth, which is a workshop series that brings professionals in the different fields of STEM, arts, literature etc., to give free-of-charge workshop sessions or lectures for the community.
IT: Talking about UAE’s Hope Mars mission, what are your opinions on the progression of space technology? What advancement are you excited to see next?
AA: I am excited about the advancements in aerospace that are currently happening in the region. With the UAE moving forward with the space industry, it gives a lot of opportunities for youth to pursue a career in the STEM fields. I also find it very inspiring that we are uncovering more and more about the universe every day, and I feel very thankful that I get to be alive at an exciting time for science.
IT: What role have your family and friends played in helping you achieve so much success at such a young age?
AA: My family and friends' support has given me the power to believe in myself and achieve things that I did not think I could.
IT: You’re often called the UAE’s next space prodigy. What do you hope other girls think or feel when they see you and your success? Is it ever challenging or a burden to be a role model?
AA: I hope that other girls find themselves in me and the things I have achieved. It is not impossible to reach your dreams even if they are among the stars. Sometimes it can be challenging to have the pressure of being a role model to some people, I can't even believe it myself! However, I am very grateful that I get to share my experiences with girls all around the world and leave an impact on them no matter how small, to show them how great they are. I don't know these girls and their stories but I believe in them and I believe that they will create a better future for humanity.
IT: What do you think science can give to humanity?
AA: Science has been giving to humanity for many centuries. Among all the medicines and studies about the universe that have solved many curiosities, science most of all allows us to realize how similar to the universe we are, how connected we are with nature and no matter what differences we might have, we are all fundamentally the same, I think that is a very humbling experience.
“I think the gender gap exists not because women are not capable but because their opportunities and discoveries were taken forcefully away from them. To better support girls and women in STEM fields, I think it is important to allow for equal opportunities in education and to also remove the stereotype that women only have certain roles in society.”
IT: Science is a male-dominated field. Why do you think this gender gap exists? How can leaders better support girls and women in the field? How do you feel about breaking such stereotypes?
AA: I think the gender gap exists not because women are not capable but because their opportunities and discoveries were taken forcefully away from them. To better support girls and women in STEM fields, I think it is important to allow for equal opportunities in education and to also remove the stereotype that women only have certain roles in society. I feel like breaking these stereotypes is not something that I necessarily intentionally do but it is a necessity. Women have always been smart and intelligent because WE ARE HUMAN. I try to break these stereotypes within my household and community, keeping an open mind and understanding the traditional ideas that some people still hold.
IT: As a teenager, where do you find yourself when you’re on a break and what are your hobbies?
AA: When I have a break I usually like to relax and spend time with family and friends. Recently during university, I have been going on walks and hikes in nature during my breaks from classes. During high school I liked going to the cinema with my friends, playing jiu-jitsu and reading.
IT: What is your advice to all the young girls around the world who wish to get involved in aerospace?
AA: Don't be afraid of the stereotypes, don't let them stop you instead let them motivate you. Most of all remember that no matter how much you might feel like an outcast, you are not alone, many girls around the world are also afraid to achieve their dreams. We are all in this together and we will make it through.
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