Name: Chy-Amari Finley
Age: 19
Hometown: Sterling Heights, Michigan
School: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduation Year: 2026
Career Aspirations:
Become an engineer/researcher at NASA working with the biological effects humans experience in space or work with human space systems that help ensure sustainable living in a space environment.
Hobbies & Interests:
Research, rocketry, flying, spending time with friends, listening to music.
Organizations/Clubs:
Morrill Engineering Program, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Society of Black Engineers, Women in Aerospace, Minorities in Aerospace, National Association of Rocketry, Tuskegee Airmen National History Museum
Why are you passionate about aviation?
Words I find myself constantly saying while unconsciously spotting an aircraft seemingly anywhere is, “Look, there's a plane!” As I have grown as a pilot and engineer, my love for aviation continues to expand. However, my fascination with flight started at a very young age. Flight within and outside our atmosphere captivates me, and this captivation closely links with my passion for science and mathematics. As years have passed, I find the things that intrigue me most are the things I have the most questions about. As a small child, I recall asking, "How do planes fly?", becoming a question baffling me for years, especially when considering the force of gravity. But upon taking physics for the first time, I discovered that this downward pulling force is needed for flight to exist. My growing knowledge of gravity is undoubtedly a driving factor for my growing love for aviation and my other more scientific interests.
What is your future aspiration?
Help in the advancement of interplanetary human spaceflight.
Why did you choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT?
Upon taking control of my first aircraft, I knew flying would always be a part of my life. Considering the cost of flying, I sought opportunities to ensure I always had the means to advance my flying career. Before I discovered Tuskegee Next, I was a part of another organization that provided underrepresented youth in aviation the chance to become pilots. This program also had ties to the Tuskegee Airmen, so I found it fitting to continue to look for opportunities for minority pilots, and by chance, I found Tuskegee Next. Immediately from research, I knew this total immersion summer aviation program would be great for me, considering my background, and I applied shortly after.