International Student Finds New Flight Path at Embry-Riddle

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Teshome Shenkut Teshome always knew he wanted to be a pilot.

Inspired by his grandfather Giday Estifanos, who was an Ethiopian Air Force and Ethiopian Airlines pilot, he envisioned himself following a similar path — until a chance experience set his career path on a different trajectory.

“I came to the U.S. to pursue my Aerospace Engineering degree, and the summer that I was moving into my apartment in Florida, I saw a rocket launch with my family,” Teshome said. “That opened my eyes, and I decided I wanted to become an astronaut.”

Teshome Shenkut Teshome was inspired to pursue a career in flight by his grandfather Giday Estifanos, who was an Ethiopian Air Force and Ethiopian Airlines pilot. (Photo: Teshome Shenkut Teshome)

Since his first days at Embry-Riddle, the senior has also been active in several campus groups, including serving as the current vice president of the Student Government Association and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics(AIAA) at the Daytona Beach Campus. He is also active in the Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society and the local chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

“Those organizations have given me experiences in how to manufacture remote-controlled aircraft and rockets, as well as grow personally and professionally,” said Teshome. “They helped shape me into the person I am today.”

He has also spent the past three summers doing an engineering co-op at Cummins Inc., based in Columbus, Indiana. He has had the opportunity to work on a range of engineering projects at the company, including filtration systems, engines and electronics.

“I found that Embry-Riddle has given me fundamentals to be ready for the industry,” said Teshome. “And my co-op rotations have provided me with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the engineering industry.”

There have been challenges being an international student so far from home, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“When Covid happened, my dad had come to visit me and was stuck here for an extra month,” said Teshome. Although his dad left later than expected, Teshome realized how important it is to have a family that supports his goals and keeps him motivated.

Teshome has not been back to his home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, since 2019, but he said he is fortunate to have extended family in visiting distance, and his parents plan to attend his graduation in May. 

Teshome said the faculty and staff at the university have also been very supportive, encouraging him to take leadership roles and get involved in campus activities.

“Coming to Embry-Riddle has been a refreshing experience, as I’ve encountered people from diverse backgrounds who all share a passion for aviation,” he said.

Becoming an astronaut is a challenging path, but Teshome said he plans to gain more engineering experience plus pursue graduate school. He is also considering working as a commercial pilot, flight test pilot or test engineer before training as an astronaut.

“Being in the U.S. without my family and striving to achieve my dreams can be challenging,” he said. “However, the support from my friends and professors at Embry-Riddle has been invaluable. This sense of community is something I wouldn't have found anywhere else.”

Posted In: Engineering | Space