Success Story By A Kurdish Aerospace Engineer

By: Fargo Bcn

Some of the most successful aerospace engineers have made significant contributions to space travel and space exploration, as well as the development of aircraft design, architecture, and innovation. However, each aerospace engineer carves out their own path to success, and that will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers. This article will introduce you to a thriving aerospace engineer who has carved her career paths for success.

Tawin Efe is a professional Aerospace engineer in Bremen, Germany. Her mother is from Mahabad (Eastern Kurdistan or Iranian Kurdistan), and the father is from Pîran (Northern Kurdistan or Turkish Kurdistan). Her parents both came to Germany in 1980 but independently from each other. Her mother came to Germany because of study reasons in pursuant of her desire to acquire a university degree. Her father, though, fled from Turkey to Germany because of political reasons. Tawin was born and raised in Bonn, Germany. She is the eldest among the five girls in the family. Having four younger sisters shaped her to be more committed and independent. Growing up in a community where there were not so many other children from immigrant families, they always seemed different.

Their cultural background was never a hindrance to their involvement in their community. Tawin remembered so well that she was always curious about anything that attracted her attention as a child. Her mom described her enormous interest in how things work technically and often asked questions about particular details. She would marvel at matters that challenged her thoughts. During her secondary school level in Bonn, Germany, she went to the Gymnasium where she acquired Abitur as a qualifying examination and entrance to college university degree study.

In my interview with Tawin, she admirably gave credit to her mother, saying, "I am fortunate that my mom never raised me with any stereotype. I was permitted to do what I wanted and enjoy doing and was never told that this only is for boys. (for example, when playing with cars instead of dolls). I was free to explore things that interest me, and I got my parents to appreciate them." What motivated you to take up Aerospace Engineering? "I was always interested in how things work, and I love to challenge myself in every way. The most challenging environment that we know is space, so I was always attracted to it. The surrounding is a very hostile environment, so the technical requirements are very demanding. I was always interested in space and bizarre occurrences. I'm a curious person, and there are so many things that we don't know about the universe. We basically don't know anything; this is what fascinated me. So I decided to study Mechanical Engineering at a prestigious university. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I was motivated to push through my Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, which allowed me to specialize in this engineering field."

Tawin received her Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master's degree in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University in Germany. During her final year thesis, she was part of a team that developed a reusable rocket concept. Her work included the calculation and simulation of thermomechanical loads during the rocket's re-entry; based on the results, the design of an adequate interface for the heat shield is attached to the rockets' primary structure.

What other field of study interests you that shaped your dreams? "I am mostly interested in technical or science-related studies. Apart from engineering, I am also very interested in astrophysics and quantum physics."

Since she graduated one and a half years ago, she works as a Systems Engineer in one of the biggest European space companies in Bremen. She works on spacecraft control systems, technically on the development of systems that enable controlling a spacecraft.

Becoming a rocket scientist is a hard job, but every step was worth it as her journey has just started to flourish. Her biggest dream is to take a lead role in developing innovative space technologies, enabling humanity to further explore and expand into space. She likes to set a good example that will pose a challenge to every girl and encourage them to pursue a career in a technical domain because it is not only for boys! Engineering is so much fun. It's about determination and giving it a shot. Never to let any traditions or stereotypes stand in your way.

Aside from academically engaged, Tawin indulges in sports, which she considers "almost like an addiction." She is passionate about outdoor adventures and loves climbing, bouldering, general fitness training, and mountaineering. Apart from these, she loves to read books, travel and enjoys the company of her beloved motorbike.

What inspiration would you like to impart to the world, especially to the global Kurdish society?

"I hope I can support fellow Kurds in achieving their dreams and as a role model. Growing up in a foreign country can be hard for a non-white person to achieve something. You have to work double as hard as you can and fight back the stereotypes. I hope I can show the young Kurds that everything is possible if you work hard enough with discipline and ambition."

Tawin hopes to use her knowledge and engineering skills one day to support the Kurds in general. She is overwhelmed and deeply moved when she started to receive so many lovely messages and congratulations on her social media. She would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their inspiring words; she appreciates everything. She hopes that her story can motivate other young girls to follow a career in the technical fields.

The future for aerospace engineering is bright as we witness new space exploration and space travel becoming the norm. If anyone among you is an aspiring aerospace engineer, may this article of Tawin's story serve as a resource for success stories in aerospace engineering.

Remember that some of the most successful engineers who worked in aeronautics or astronomical engineering came from all walks of life, focused on getting an education, and took the necessary steps to build a career path that helped them make an impact in the industry. Neil Armstrong, Kalpana Chawla, Judith Love Cohen and many others. Consider some of the career paths of these aerospace engineers that helped lead them down the road to success. If they were able to achieve it, and if Tawin Efe attained it, why can't you?