Meet Shana Brown: Engineer and Artist
Concordia engineering student and Whiteway, Newfoundland and Labrador native Shana Brown represents a rare blend of science and art. Beyond co-leading Space Concordia’s Rocketry Division, she creates folk-influenced pop and country music. In this 20-question interview, Shana shares how she balances equations with melodies, what drew her to rocketry, and how creativity fuels her scientific pursuits.
Q&A: 20 Questions with Shana Brown
- What sparked your interest in rocket science?
From a young age, I was obsessed with how things work. Watching satellites and rockets sparked a curiosity that grew into a pursuit of engineering and rocketry, where theory meets hands-on building. - What does your role in Space Concordia involve?
I help lead the Rocketry Division, guiding design discussions, experiment planning, and outreach to inspire others to explore space through engineering. - How do you balance STEM and music?
Music provides a creative counterbalance to precise calculations. I schedule practice like a lab session and let rhythm reset my focus after long design reviews. - What instrument do you play?
I play guitar and sing, weaving folk, pop, and country influences into my songs. - Who are your musical influences?
I draw inspiration from folk storytelling and contemporary country artists, blending lyrical depth with catchy melodies. - What has surprised you most about being a female engineer?
The collaborative culture and resilience of teams have stood out. Engineering is as much about people as it is about equations. - What’s a typical day like for you?
Classes, lab work, meetings with Space Concordia, and practice sessions — with moments for writing music and jotting down ideas for new songs. - What project are you most excited about right now?
A student-built rocket propulsion test rig where we test safe, incremental improvements. It’s hands-on learning at its best. - How does your Newfoundland upbringing influence you?
The landscape taught me resilience and a love for storytelling, which feeds both my engineering mindset and my lyrics. - What challenges do you face juggling multiple roles?
Time management and energy. I prioritize, delegate, and schedule creative time to avoid burnout. - What advice would you give young women entering STEM?
Lead with curiosity, seek mentors, and build a supportive network. Your voice matters in every lab and rehearsal room. - Who do you look up to in your field?
Mentors and peers who push boundaries and collaborate across disciplines, showing that science and art thrive together. - What’s your favorite part of Space Concordia?
The culture of experimentation and the chance to mentor others while learning continuously. - How do you manage self-doubt?
I rely on small wins, peer feedback, and reminding myself that growth comes from taking calculated risks. - What role does collaboration play in your work?
Space exploration is a team sport. Different perspectives turn good ideas into great ones. - What is your songwriting process like?
I start with a story or emotion, sketch a melody, and let the lyrics evolve as ideas refine in the back of my mind. - How does music influence your engineering approach?
Music teaches timing, rhythm, and audience connection — skills that translate into project planning and presentation clarity. - What do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
Contribute to a successful student rocket program, graduate with honors, and release an EP that blends my engineering experiences with storytelling. - What message would you share with aspiring space enthusiasts?
Dream big, start small, and stay curious. Space is built by people who combine curiosity with methodical work.
Conclusion
Shana Brown embodies the fusion of science and song, showing that a career in rocket science can harmonize with creative expression. As she continues leading Space Concordia’s Rocketry Division and crafting music that resonates beyond the lab, her story invites others to pursue interdisciplinary passions with confidence and curiosity.
