Sydney Hamilton

Presentation Date: 12/05/2020

Topic: Easy as Rocket Science - I will teach kids the concept of flight and the 4 forces using a "balloon rocket" they can build at home.

Have you ever built a rocket irl? Do you know how it flies? No? Well, that’s about to change! Today you are a Rocket Scientist.

Getting a space shuttle to launch into outer space takes A LOT of energy, rocket fuel, and thrust (a pushing force). Can you imagine, 4.5 million pounds of thrust to blast into space at more than 17,000 miles per hour…. in just minutes?! We can use the same principles (but without dangerous rocket fuel) to propel our balloon rockets. Let’s build balloon rockets to learn about the concepts of flight! Will you join the challenge? You got this. It’ll be as easy as rocket science.

Bio: Rising Technology Star Award Winner, Sydney Hamilton, has been featured on CBS’ Mission Unstoppable, in Marie Claire Magazine, on NPR’s Wow in the World and across The Boeing Company for her innovative contributions to the aerospace industry. She is an IF/THEN Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to inspire youth to pursue STEM fields. IF/THEN’s mission is to inspire young girls, especially of color, to be exposed to all of the amazing opportunities in STEM. If she can see it, then she can be it.

Sydney is a Mechanical Design Engineer at the Boeing Company in El Segundo, CA, where she leads a cross-functional team in the development of Satellite Reflectors. Reflectors are critical mechanisms on satellites that redirect radio frequencies (like your GPS!) to desired areas. Throughout Sydney’s career, she has had the opportunity to design 3D-printed satellite parts, deliver structural repairs to Boeing’s fleet of 767 and 777 airplanes, as well as analyze for the 777X Folding Wing-Tip – the first commercial airplane with mechanical folding wings!

As a passionate advocate for recognizing the power within diversity, Sydney founded Boeing Generations 2 Generations employee resource group dedicated to improving workplace culture across the company’s rich, multi-generational talent pool. Sydney brings out her passion for STEM education through her partnership with the non-profit organization, Dramatic Results. Serving as Vice President on the Board of Directors, Sydney has championed the success of extracurricular programs designed to bring STEM through Art (STEAM) into the hands of underserved youth.

Sydney received dual degrees in Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering from Spelman College and the University of Michigan, respectively. She also studied Nuclear Engineering while abroad in Xiamen, Fujian, China. Outside of work, Sydney can be found scuba diving, salsa dancing or cooking (and especially eating) new cuisines with friends.