The Smoko Podcast

Makenna Kuzyk & Jana Gebara of Mission Spacewalker: A University of Alberta Space Exploration & Research Team

Alexis Armstrong Season 1 Episode 62

*Note: throughout this episode I accidentally mispeak and pronounce Jana Gebara’s name incorrectly. The correct pronunciation of her name is Jah-nah rather than Yah-nah.

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by two extraordinary guests, Makenna Kuzyk and Jana Gebara, mechanical engineering students at the University of Alberta. As founders and co-project managers of Mission Spacewalker, they delve into their innovative projects and their experiences in the greater space industry of Canada, including collaborations with the Canadian Space Agency.

Join us as we explore their journey into mechanical engineering, sparked by childhood passions and sci-fi inspirations, and how they specialize in space sustainability, extreme environments, and cutting-edge robotics. Makenna and Jana share the intricacies of their flight testing projects, from microgravity experiments to autonomous helicopters, and the significant role of remote sensing in understanding climate change.

Discover how these inspiring women navigate the challenges of teamwork, interdisciplinary research, and the importance of fostering curiosity and collaboration in engineering. They also discuss the impact of extreme environments on innovation and the critical nature of analog missions in preparing for real-world applications.

Tune in to learn about the fascinating work of Mission Spacewalker, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM, and the future of the space industry as envisioned by these pioneering engineers. Whether you're a space enthusiast or curious about engineering, this episode is sure to inspire and educate.


Mission Space Walker:

 https://www.missionspacewalker.ca/ .

https://www.instagram.com/missionspacewalker/

https://www.tiktok.com/@missionspacewalker

SEDS Canada:

https://seds.ca/projects/

https://seds.ca/


The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca



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