AE students named Knights of St. Patrick

This year’s list of a dozen students who were selected to be Knights of St. Patrick includes two aerospace engineering students, Niharika Navin and Ashley Sawa. Both Navin and Sawa are fourth-year students in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

Students selected for this unique honor demonstrate outstanding leadership, excellence in character, and make an exceptional contribution to the college and its students.  

Laura Gerhold, chief advisor and assistant director of undergraduate programs, described Navin’s work as an engineering learning assistant for ENG 398 as one example of her contributions. 

“Niharika has played a vital role in supporting international exchange students as they transition to academic and campus life at the University of Illinois. She creates a welcoming and supportive learning environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance, and exploring the many academic and co-curricular opportunities available to them. Her mentorship is especially impactful for students navigating a new educational system and cultural context, and she approaches this work with empathy, patience, and professionalism.”

Gerhold also spoke highly of Navin’s leadership in student organizations. She served as president of Women in Aerospace for two years, during which time she significantly expanded the involvement and programming within WIA.

“As director of student relations for Illinois Space Society, Niharika focuses on student belonging and conflict resolution,” Gerhold said. “She approaches complex interpersonal challenges with thoughtfulness and care, ensuring that differing perspectives are heard and respected. Her ability to navigate difficult conversations leads to meaningful resolutions and strengthens both leadership cohesion and member engagement within the organization.”

Sawa was nominated by an organized student group, Illinois Space Society, and the Illinois chapter of Tau Beta Pi, which is an engineering honor society.

“Ashley's involvement in the student group Illinois Space Society has demonstrated that she possesses incredible technical ability as an engineer, but even more highlights her leadership and passion for teaching others,” said her nominator, physics major and president of Tau Beta Pi, Megan Harrison, who was also selected as one of this year’s Knights.  

“She is an exceptional leader and mentor and has taken on numerous roles such as helping organize Illinois Space Day, being an Engineering Open House exhibit lead, and serving as an engineering learning assistant in which she helped younger individuals pursue their interest in engineering.”

Aerospace Professor Joseph Gonzalez talked about the legacy Sawa will leave after she graduates, having been instrumental in AE’s student machine shop and ushering in a new course on milling and turning. She also expressed interest in staying engaged as an advisor to Spaceshot and other rocketry projects in the department.

“This intention to give back underscores the values that guide her leadership,” Gonzalez said.