An Aggie’s legacy in aerospace

Merri J. Sanchez ’85 has built a storied career in aerospace engineering, inspired by her childhood fascination with space. After earning multiple degrees and serving nearly three decades with NASA, and as the Chief Scientist for Air Force Space Command, she continues to contribute to the industry as a Technical Fellow at The Aerospace Corporation. Dedicated to giving back, she established the Merri J. Sanchez ’85 Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M University to support future aerospace engineers.

From Colorado to College Station

Merri grew up in rural Colorado with aspirations of becoming an aerospace engineer. Inspired by the Apollo 11 launch, she was captivated by space exploration and knew she wanted to be part of the industry. After meeting a family friend, she discovered how she could turn her dreams into reality.

Merri’s parents owned a rock shop in Colorado and became friends with the late Frank Hubert, former chancellor of Texas A&M. This friendship helped Merri discover the unique opportunities Aggieland had to offer. After admission, she was awarded the President’s Achievement Scholarship and majored in aerospace engineering.

The scholarship played a crucial role in her academic career, allowing Merri to lay the foundation of a childhood dream. During college, she became a member and officer of the Texas A&M American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student branch.

“This organization gave me the opportunity to get to know and work with other students in my major,” Sanchez said. “My involvement led to a lifetime membership in AIAA, where I served in local, regional and national level positions, including vice president.”

Reaching for the stars

After graduating from Texas A&M with her bachelor’s degree, Merri attended the University of Houston, where she earned a master’s in mechanical engineering, as well as planetary geology. She would later earn her Ph.D. in industrial engineering. 

While pursuing higher education, Merri worked her way up within NASA, starting as a vehicle integration test engineer and ending her 28-year career as liaison to the U.S. Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Since leaving NASA, Merri has worked for several companies within the space industry, including U.S. Air Force Space Command. She currently serves as a Technical Fellow at The Aerospace Corporation.

She has received numerous awards and medals from government, industry and Texas A&M, including the Colorado Space Heroes Hall of Fame honoree in 2018 and the Texas A&M College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Honor Award in 2016.

Staying grounded

After years of achievement and adventure, Merri chose to benefit the institution that launched her journey.

“From the moment I graduated, I wanted to give back to the university,” Sanchez said. “I have provided gifts to the Texas A&M Foundation, College of Engineering and, most especially, the Department of Aerospace Engineering.” 

She has stayed connected to Texas A&M Engineering, serving for years as a member and chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering External Advisory Board, member and vice chair of the TEES Advisory Board, and member of the College of Engineering External Advisory Council.

Now, Merri hopes to make a difference in a student’s ability to attend Texas A&M and complete a degree in aerospace engineering. Through the endowment, her legacy will support countless students looking to follow in her path.