Spotlight: Shreya Chandra Aviation Week's 20 Twenties Winner 2026

Shreya Chandra is a 2026 20 Twenties winner and an undergraduate student at the University of California, Davis, pursuing dual degrees in Aerospace Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026. Her pioneering work focuses on advancing human exploration systems through innovative design and materials research.

Chandra employs human-centered design principles to address critical challenges in planetary exploration. Leveraging expertise in biomechanics and materials science, she created an innovative spacesuit boot concept engineered for enhanced traction and stability on icy extraterrestrial terrain. Her prototype development, funded through competitive space grants, tackles mobility limitations for future missions to icy moons and asteroids. Chandra has presented her research on radiation shielding systems at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' SciTech Forum and has contributed to mission design and spacecraft systems research through multiple aerospace internships.

She cofounded her university's inaugural space-focused student organization and is committed to pursuing a career that advances human exploration systems.