Annika Rollock
Aerospace engineer and sometimes writer
Mission Log
Currently, I’m a Senior Human Centered Design Engineer at Draper, where I spend a lot of time thinking about human/autonomy teaming, human performance, and the long arc of technology for future space missions.
Mission Timeline
Stations along the way
2014 – 2018
MIT — Aeronautics & Astronautics
I received my B.S. in aero/astro engineering at MIT, where I also minored in creative writing and rowed at the Division I level. During my summers, I interned at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where I worked on early project formulation with Team X and operations for the Juno Spacecraft.
2019
Matthew Isakowitz Fellow
I was selected as a Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, through which I worked as a guidance, navigation, and control engineer at Blue Origin.
2018 – 2023
CU Boulder — PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences
My PhD research developed a framework for assessing emerging technology for deep space habitats through the NASA HOME Space Technology Research Institute. I also served as president of the AIAA Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics national chapter.
2020
Amelia Earhart Fellow
I was named one of 35 fellows worldwide by the Zonta International Foundation, which recognizes women pursuing advanced degrees in aerospace sciences and engineering.
2023 – 2025
Aurelia Institute — VP of Engineering
After defending my PhD, I led technology development and habitat-focused engineering at Aurelia Institute: a nonprofit architecture R&D lab, education and outreach center, and policy hub dedicated to building humanity’s future in space.
2025 – Present
Draper — Senior Human Centered Design Engineer
Now, my primary focus is on human/autonomy teaming, human performance, and design. I spend a lot of time thinking about how these fields inform technology maturation and architecture for future space missions.
Creative Work