Crimson Scholar Aryanna Llañez is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in both aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering. A self-described “stickler” about her GPA which is 3.99, she has been on the Dean’s Honor List since 2020 and was NMSU’s Alumni Association fall 2024 Outstanding Engineering Student.

Aryanna’s favorite NMSU moment occurred when her senior-year mentor received a job offer from SpaceX, outcompeting applicants from high-profile universities. His advice to her then was that prestige didn’t matter; what did matter was a person’s engagement with opportunities. She took that advice to heard with both her academics and Atomic Aggies, the hands-on research and execution experience for students interested in rocketry.

“The rocket team was my life. I’m proud of what I did, making connections and gaining confidence to run the team as lead engineer and president. I developed a backbone,” she said.

One of her proudest accomplishments at NMSU,  Llañez spearheaded the design, research and development of a high-power competition rocked that reached an altitude of 10, 273 feet. Her leadership contributed to the team’s impressive performance at the Spaceport America Cup, taking first place for New Mexico in 2023 and ninth place in the 2022 Commercial Off-the-Shelf International competition.

As a senior, Llañez provided advice and mentor ship to other students, especially Atomic Aggies.

“Engineering was a hard degree, and really provided a sense of community. The smaller classes felt personal, and the professors were always supportive. I want to give back to NMSU and make a difference for others. New Mexico has become the gateway to space, and I want  to help NMSU be part of that.”

Here on Earth, Llañez loves to travel, especially if it involves outdoor activities or relaxing in a small-town coffee shop. After graduation she took a few well-deserved weeks off to travel before starting work for Lockheed Martin’s Space Division at white Sands Missile Range.