Mechanical and aerospace engineering doctoral student Melissa Yeung has received Zonta International’s 2025 Amelia Earhart Fellowship, a prestigious award that supports women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering. The award honors aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Zonta International is a global organization that supports women and girls.

The Amelia Earhart fellowship offers financial support to help women further their education and advance their careers. Promising and talented women from top-tier universities all over the globe are selected by Zonta International for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship every year. During her time at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Yeung has demonstrated an exemplary academic record in aerospace engineering research, joining the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) last year.  

“Winning the Amelia Earhart Fellowship affirms my aspirations to be a leader in the field, motivating me to continue my efforts in uplifting and supporting other women in STEM. It serves as a reminder that I am not alone in my journey and challenges, and I am excited to be among a community of women equally as passionate about advancing aerospace engineering,” says Yeung.

“Melissa’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship is not just a recognition of her achievements—it’s a celebration of her potential. From the moment she joined my lab, she has impressed me with her intellect, initiative, and kindness. As someone who knows how much this fellowship can mean, I’m thrilled to see it now honoring someone so deserving. She’s already leading with purpose, and this is just the beginning,” says Yiyang Sun, assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering.