In cooperation with CubeSpace Satellite Systems, SGAC is pleased to announce Maren Mashor, Chioma Ezeigbo, and Linda Ngozwana as the winners of the 2023 AHAMENES – CubeSpace Scholarships. The winners will be sponsored to attend the 21st Space Generation Congress (September 28– 30 2023) and the 74th International Astronautical Congress (October 2–6 2023) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Maren Mashor
Maren is a research engineer with the National Space Research and Development Agency (the Nigerian space agency), where he engages in operations research and mission concept development for future small satellite projects. He has a background in Telecommunication engineering and over two years of experience in cloud computing and STEM projects freelancing.
Before joining the Nigerian space agency, Maren worked with multiple IT startups in designing cloud system architectures and adoption strategies. He has since been passionate about integrating multidisciplinary technologies to innovate solutions addressing emerging challenges while promoting their adoption to drive sustainable development initiatives.
He is an active member of SGAC. Currently, he is leading a research team in the small satellite project group. The team is investigating enabling technologies for designing a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload on a small satellite for flood monitoring in Nigeria.
Maren’s career focus is on model-based systems engineering. He aims to apply this in research projects to drive the design, development and optimization of small satellite systems in Africa and beyond.
I am honoured to be a recipient of the SGAC – AHAMENES – CubeSpace Scholarships to attend SGC/IAC 2023 in Baku! In many ways, SGAC has inspired me to pursue my ambition in space. I am looking forward to making the most of this experience. Thank you for this opportunity!
Chioma Ezeigbo
Chioma Ezeigbo is a law graduate from the University of Nigeria with interest in Air & Space Law, and Aerospace Engineering.
She is the immediate past President of the University of Nigeria Students' Bar Association (UNSBA), the first female President of the Association in over 35 years of its existence. She is also the founder and pioneer President of Space Club, University of Nigeria.
Chioma believes in the combo of STEM and Law, and is a passionate promoter of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and legal education.
I am delighted to be a recipient of the SGAC–AHAMENES CubeSpace Scholarships! I look forward to joining the SGC 2023 and IAC 2023, and contributing to making the aforementioned a valuable experience for others.
Linda Ngozwana
Linda Ngozwana, born and raised in South Africa, is a Systems Engineer at MDA UK Space and Robotics. She is passionate about developing innovative solutions to complex problems, particularly in the areas of the applications of systems engineering to spacecraft design. Linda recently completed her Masters in Astronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Cranfield University, with research experience in applying Model Based Systems Engineering to complex satellite manoeuvres and its impact on satellite design. Before moving to the United Kingdom, Linda qualified as an Aeronautical Engineer from the University of the Witwatersrand and gained work experience in some of the leading aviation companies in South Africa.
Linda believes in breaking boundaries and is determined to inspire other young girls to do the same by leading in the promotion of gender equality and access to quality education. To this end, she is part of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) which help expose learners from all over the world to careers in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), both in South Africa and around the world. She is in the process of launching a start-up as a co-founder called Moonshot, a South African based talent accelerator that aims to launch the next generation of African rocket scientists into the space industry.
Linda has been involved with the SGAC since 2021. With the organisation, she has served as a mentor, attended the 5th Online European Generation Workshop (ESGW), and was selected as the runner-up for the $pace is Business 2021 Competition for her paper which outlined the importance of having conducive space ecosystems in developing countries, to enhance the countries’ space presence and relevance.
As a pinnacle of her work, Linda has been recognized by various organisations from all over the world including getting a career feature on CNN. She also had many articles published by media houses in Africa on how she empowers and inspires young girls and women to take on careers in aviation and space.
Linda defines herself as a woman that represents a generation of African leaders that will not be defined by their origins and environment, rather by their bravery and ambition. Her diligence, tenacity, and discipline with regards to matters of academic development have equipped her with the determination necessary to have endured the challenges this intensive industry comprises. Linda aims to play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of innovators who want to come into this space to create monumental changes in their countries and the world.
I am beyond grateful to the SGAC and CubeSpace for selecting me to be a recipient of this scholarship. It gives me great pleasure to be part of an organisation that truly uplifts young professionals in space. I am also proud to represent Africa on an international platform and this would have not been possible without the support of SGAC through its programmes and initiatives. Being part of SGAC has been a fulfilling experience for me.