Meet Sarah Austin | Aerospace Engineer and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Austin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what principle do you value most?
I firmly believe that STEM is for everyone. There’s a common misconception that you need to be naturally gifted at math or inherently smart to succeed in STEM, and I strongly disagree. In college, I actually failed my very first Physics test. Yet, here I am, ten years later, working in the aerospace industry and contributing to the design of lunar landers and satellites.
STEM is challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. If you’re passionate about it, don’t let doubts about your abilities hold you back. This is one of the key messages I strive to convey through Space With Syrup.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched SpaceWithSyrup out of a desire to demystify the aerospace industry and inspire students interested in STEM fields. Understanding the complexities of STEM can be intimidating, and I aimed to make it more approachable.

When I began my career, there was so much I didn’t know, and I’ve been learning as I go. SpaceWithSyrup has become a platform where I can share my insights and connect with others who are also navigating their own learning paths. It’s also been a wonderful outlet for my creativity. I’ve enjoyed showcasing that being involved in STEM doesn’t mean you have to give up your personal style or interests; you can be enthusiastic about space and science while embracing a feminine flair!

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact my brand has had on both my life and the lives of others. By sharing my experiences and offering encouragement, I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities in the engineering field. I really feel like I’m coming into my own as a professional.

It’s amazing to me that a 30-second video about my work outfits or my academic journey can have such a positive impact on someone’s life. I’ve received so many wonderful messages from people who feel inspired or motivated by what I share, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’m making a difference, especially in the STEM space for women.

A particularly special moment for me was when my niece called me, bursting with excitement, to tell me that her favorite subject was science. She had just learned all about the planets at school and couldn’t wait to share it with me. Knowing that my brand is fostering this kind of enthusiasm and community is what I’m proudest of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my absolute favorite places in Denver is the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. If my best friend were visiting, we’d definitely spend a day exploring the fascinating exhibits there (my favorite is the space section!). Afterward, we’d head to the attached Beer Garden for a great meal and some local brews.

Colorado is renowned for its outdoor beauty, so we’d also take a drive up to the Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder to enjoy the stunning views. On our way back, we’d stop by Golden and grab a bite to eat at Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza, which offers delicious food in a cozy setting.

Some of my other favorite places to take guests are Acreage by Stem Ciders in Lafayette (the view & the atmosphere is immaculate) as well as the Post Chicken and Beer in Longmont.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! I would love to give a shoutout to my parents and my husband.

First to my parents. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been the bedrock of my success. They taught me the importance of curiosity, persistence, and hard work from a young age. Their steadfast belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my husband Matt. His constant encouragement and understanding have been my anchor through all the late-night study sessions, stressful project deadlines, and career milestones. He’s been my sounding board for ideas, my motivator when I needed a push, and my biggest supporter in every endeavor. His unwavering belief in me has helped me stay focused and driven and has helped me have the confidence to go after my dreams.

Without the support and love from my parents and my husband, I wouldn’t be where I am today, both as an engineer and an entrepreneur!

Website: https://linktr.ee/spacewithsyrup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacewithsyrup/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@spacewithsyrup