Meet the Grad: Isabella Hart

During this commencement season, we are highlighting Isabella Hart and her journey at the Statler College and WVU. (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

The latest graduates of Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University are passionate, innovative, and ambitious — the college’s living legacy. Shaped by childhood dreams, a drive to innovate, and memorable educational experiences, they leave equipped with the knowledge and skills to make their mark on the world.

Q&A with Isabella Hart and Laney Eichelberger, storyteller/writer
Photos supplied and by Brian Persinger, Megan Rinker and Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Meet Isabella Hart, a mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Hurricane, West Virginia, who has left an impact at Statler and across WVU. A dedicated leader and enthusiastic mentor, Isabella has held several leadership roles in the Society of Women Engineers, served as an MMAE Mountaineer Mentor, and been an active member of Formula SAE and the Space Club. And she’s already reaching for new heights — her hard work has paid off with three notable internships with Woodward, Inc., Space Dynamics Laboratory, and Aurora Flight Sciences. For this lifelong Mountaineer, that’s just the beginning.

Join us as we learn about this year’s 2025 Mountaineer of Distinction, Isabella.

Matthew Bolling (from left), Brogan Dozier, Erin Skaff, Abby Ruth and Isabella Hart were announced as the 2025 Mountaineers of Distinction during halftime of the WVU vs. Colorado football game Saturday (Nov. 8). (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)

What first sparked your interest in STEM, engineering or computer science? Was there a person, class or experience that ultimately pushed you toward the Statler College? 

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved math, science, and all things space-related. What first sparked my interest in STEM though, was learning about West Virginia natives like Katherine Johnson, Homer Hickam, and Chuck Yeager, who pioneered the future of space exploration and aviation. Their stories showed me that people from small towns, just like me, could change the world with curiosity, passion, and determination. A real turning point for me came in high school, when a teacher encouraged me to pursue both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at WVU through the dual major program. She recognized how deeply I cared about space and problem-solving, and she helped me see that Statler College offered the perfect path to explore both. That encouragement gave me the confidence to imagine myself not just admiring engineers and pioneers, but becoming one. 

Isabella attending a SWE Zoom alumni lecture event with SWE members. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

What inspired you to pursue your major within the Statler College over other programs or universities? 

Although I applied and was accepted into technical schools like Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, I knew WVU would be the right place for me the moment I stepped on campus. The emphasis on experiential learning, hands-on opportunities, and real engineering challenges at Statler immediately stood out to me. But more than that, it was the people here and the welcoming sense of community that made WVU feel like home. There’s unique resilience and strength in West Virginians that I’ve always admired and strived to embody, perfectly captured in President John F. Kennedy’s words: “The sun doesn’t always shine in West Virginia, but the people do.” That spirit is deeply woven into WVU and the Statler College. I wanted to be part of a place where students support one another, work hard, and aren’t afraid to dream big. Choosing WVU wasn’t just about a major, but also about becoming part of a community that inspires me every day. 

All in pride, Isabella showcasing new Statler College apparel with fellow Statler ambassadors (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

Can you share a project, capstone or research experience that had a lasting impact on you or helped shape your career path? 

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at the Statler College was serving as the Systems Engineer for the Small Satellite Capstone. I was selected to lead a team of over 40 students in designing a full small-satellite mission, complete with all major subsystems of a flight-qualified spacecraft. Our goal was to develop a mission concept strong enough for proposal submission to the University Nanosatellite Program, which pushed us to think like real aerospace engineers, balancing technical feasibility, system-level integration, and mission objectives. This experience had a lasting impact on me because it blended leadership with hands-on engineering in a way no classroom alone could. I learned how to guide a large, multidisciplinary team, communicate across subsystems, troubleshoot real design challenges, and see a spacecraft mission come together piece by piece. More importantly, it confirmed that working in the space industry is exactly what I want to pursue in my career. 

A team of mechanical and aerospace undergraduates and faculty represented Statler College and West Virginia University at the second University Nanosatellite Program internship this summer (Photo supplied).

How did your time in labs, student organizations, competition teams or other extracurriculars help you grow—academically, professionally or personally? 

My involvement within the Statler College and Morgantown community has shaped me just as much as my coursework–if not more. Each experience pushed me to grow in different ways and helped me discover who I am as both an engineer and leader. Through the WVU Spacecraft Design Capstone and Formula SAE Capstone, I gained hands-on engineering experience and developed strong systems-thinking and teamwork skills, while leadership roles in the Society of Women Engineers allowed me to empower women in STEM through outreach, professional development, and community service. As a Statler College Ambassador and MMAE Mountaineer Mentor, I supported prospective and first-year students, helping them envision their place at WVU. Beyond engineering, I have dedicated more than 500 service hours to supporting patients receiving end-of-life care at Amedisys Hospice Care. Through my undergraduate experiences, I’ve learned that technical excellence is only part of being a successful engineer; true impact comes from combining skill with empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to helping others. 

Isabella celebrating International Women's Day with fellow Statler students, faculty and alumni. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit).

If you had to pick one favorite memory from your time at Statler that sums up your overall experience, what would it be and why? 

My favorite memory from my time at Statler was being named a Mountaineer of Distinction during the halftime ceremony of the WVU vs. Colorado football game this year. Standing on the field and seeing the support from Statler faculty, classmates, peers, and the entire Morgantown community in that moment made me feel an incredible sense of pride and belonging. It wasn’t just about the recognition; it was a celebration of the passion, grit, drive, and determination that define what makes a true Mountaineer. That memory perfectly sums up my experience: a journey of building a legacy rooted in Appalachian pride and service to my state, following in the footsteps of the role models who first inspired me.

What are your plans after graduation? 

Following my graduation in December, I will be moving to Northern Virginia where I accepted a job with Northrop Grumman as a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer for their space programs. I’m eager to apply the technical and interpersonal skills that I’ve cultivated at Statler to a position that I’ve always dreamed of having. 

What advice would you give to incoming Statler students? 

My advice to incoming Statler students is to get involved early. Joining student organizations, competition teams, and hands-on experiences has taken me so far and helped me discover not only my strengths as an engineer, but who I am as a person. The connections you make, the skills you gain, and the challenges you tackle outside the classroom can be just as transformative as your coursework. Embrace every opportunity, take risks, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone; those experiences often shape you the most.

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