Balancing rigorous aerospace engineering (AE) courses, Division I gymnastics and a NASA internship might seem impossible for most college students, but not for Raina Gandhi. Between competing on the Wolfpack gymnastics team and interning with NASA’s Ames Research Center, she exemplifies how passion and precise time management can make a packed schedule achievable.
Preparation
Gandhi’s story begins in New York, where her engineering journey was shaped by her father, an aerospace engineer who sparked her interest in this cutting-edge subject.
“I have always excelled in math and science and I’m very lucky that my father is also an aerospace engineer, so it seemed right to follow in his footsteps,” said Gandhi.
She spent a year living in Bristol, England while her father was on sabbatical, where she quickly developed an appreciation for traveling and experiencing different cultures. In middle school, Gandhi discovered her love for math and symmetrical thinking; she enjoyed the process of solving for a definite “right answer.” She was enrolled in advanced math, so throughout 7th and 8th grade, she walked to the local high school to take classes with students two years her senior. Gandhi’s aptitude for advanced mathematics furthered her curiosity and helped to confirm her genuine interest in STEM.
Liftoff
When applying for colleges, Gandhi was drawn to NC State. She was intrigued by the university’s innovative, hands-on research opportunities and the College of Engineering’s reputation for molding students into brilliant engineers. The cherry on top of strong academic programs? NC State’s student body atmosphere, close-knit community and supportive sense of Wolfpack pride.
Gandhi is no stranger to juggling athletics with academics. She’s been involved with both since high school, where she began to hone her discipline and time management skills. At NC State, she’s doubled down in both academics and athletics, but her system of balance has remained the same. First, she organizes her schedule. What’s more important, what has a hard deadline? Gandhi has figured out that all-important skill in time management: the ability to discern importance and stick to a schedule.
But what do aerospace engineering and gymnastics have in common? More than you think. Both fields are all about motion through the air – energy, lift, drag and the continuing fight against gravity. In gymnastics, Gandhi uses her knowledge of physics to calculate the angle at which she hits the vault table, her path while swinging on bars and the force with which her body hits the mat. She finds that both gymnastics and AE require precision, focus and the ability to solve problems quickly under pressure.
Taking Flight
Over the summer of 2025, Gandhi put her engineering skills to the test during her internship at NASA’s Ames Research Center in San Jose, California. There, she worked to develop a low-fidelity computational tool that predicts outwash and downwash for vertical lift vehicles (the air patterns during a helicopter take off). During her internship, Gandhi was able to collaborate with NASA engineers and co-author technical reports detailing their work. Her mentors helped her feel comfortable in this new environment so far from home, and even told her about how gymnasts make great astronauts from their experience upside down!
“When I first got this opportunity, I was a little stressed out with training, living by myself and being away from my friends and my parents. But my mentors, Kim, Phil and Bob, all did a really great job helping me out,” said Gandhi. She found that working in such an impressive and supportive environment helped her grow tremendously in her technical and professional skills.
As to her future, it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that Gandhi has even more ambitious goals. She wants to become an accomplished researcher and lead the creation of new advancements in aerospace engineering. Her primary focus is on vertical lift and rotorcraft technology; she aims to work on the take-off, landing and hovering processes of aircrafts.
Beyond her career goals, Gandhi wants to continue serving as a role model for women in STEM and women in athletics, supporting women who balance demanding trades with challenging passions. Her story serves as a reminder to other women, as well as students in general: with hard work and passion, you can excel at more than you ever thought possible.