BCoE Student Hall of Fame 2026: Lonnie Tankersley

What is your name, age, classification and major?

My name is Lonnie Tankersley. I am 22 years old and a senior majoring in aerospace engineering with a minor in mathematics.

What year did you begin studying at MSU, and when is your expected graduation date?

I began my studies at Mississippi State University in the fall of 2022, and I expect to graduate in May 2026.

Why did you choose to attend MSU, and why did you choose an engineering field of study?

I knew early on that I wanted to pursue aerospace engineering. Growing up in New Orleans, I knew professionals who had worked directly on the space shuttle external fuel tanks at the Michoud Assembly Facility and with the RS-25 liquid rocket engines at Stennis Space Center. By the eighth grade, I decided to go down that path. I ultimately chose MSU because the Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE) provided the most competitive and generous scholarship opportunities of any university I considered. My freshman year confirmed I had made the right choice, as I quickly recognized the rigor of the program and the wealth of opportunities available to me.

What are your favorite campus organizations you have become a part of?

While I have been involved in several campus organizations, my two favorites are the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) August Raspet Chapter and the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society MS Alpha student branch. The resources, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities provided by these organizations have been instrumental in my academic and professional growth. Through them, I have connected with mentors, expanded my network at professional conferences, stepped out of my comfort zone, and made lifelong friends. I owe a great deal of my success, including this BCoE Hall of Fame induction, to my involvement in these groups.

What has been your favorite course you have taken at MSU and why?

My favorite course at MSU has been Mechanics of Composite Materials, a split-level class taught by my mentor, Dr. Han-Gyu Kim. I took this technical elective as a sophomore, and it remains one of the most valuable experiences of my academic career. It was my first opportunity to move beyond theory and engage directly with the complete engineering process: planning, manufacturing, testing, simulating, validating, and reporting. This hands-on experience fundamentally prepared me for internships, undergraduate research, and the rigor of upper-level engineering coursework.

Which course has been your most challenging at MSU and why? What was something you learned about yourself after taking that course?

My most challenging course was Spacecraft Design, a year-long course required for aerospace engineers concentrating in astronautics. It is a stark contrast to the individual, exam-based courses that engineering students are accustomed to. Operating in an eleven-person team, we were tasked with acting as a functional engineering group. We had to deconstruct a prior engineering mission down to every component of the systems engineering lifecycle, and then use that knowledge to design our own spacecraft mission. I learned a great deal about my ability to adapt and collaborate effectively with diverse personalities. The most challenging part was that I had to complete a quarter of the course remotely due to knee surgery, which introduced significant communication and self-motivation challenges. Successfully overcoming these obstacles and excelling in my final performance evaluation reinforced my own resilience and adaptability.

What is one thing you have learned related to engineering during your time at the Bagley College of Engineering?

I have learned the critical importance of translating complex technical concepts into language for non-subject-matter experts. In engineering, it is easy to become so immersed in a specialized topic that the complexity seemingly disappears. However, stakeholders, reviewers, or peers outside your discipline do not share that same technical knowledge. Whether in academia or industry, failing to communicate effectively can lead to a critical lack of understanding, which can negatively impact project funding and resource allocation. Clear communication bridges the gap between engineering work and real-world implementation.

How has MSU and, specifically, the Bagley College of Engineering prepared you for professional life after college?

MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering have equipped me with the tools needed to step into a professional role and contribute immediately. The development of soft skills, particularly the ability to communicate confidently with experienced peers and professionals, has been the most vital skill I have acquired. Countless doors have opened for me simply because I was willing to ask questions and seek guidance. My mentorship network and industry connections have expanded vastly because BCoE provided an environment where I learned how to actively listen and engage with mentors and superiors.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be working as an assistant track and field coach for an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club called the Southeast Louisiana Roadrunners, interviewing for a Mechanical Test Operations co-op position at NASA's Stennis Space Center, and preparing to pursue a Master of Science in aerospace engineering.

What will you miss most about MSU after you graduate?

I will deeply miss the camaraderie and inclusivity of Engineering Row. I have developed bonds with my professors, instructors, advisors, and classmates that I am prepared to never experience anywhere else. MSU is home to some of the most welcoming and grounded people I have ever met, which made it feel like a second home to me. I will miss helping organize AIAA events and tailgates, the late-night homework conversations, the positive energy Mr. Calvin Walker brings every day, and, above all, sitting with Dr. Han-Gyu Kim to discuss our "happiness charts" and future plans. I am incredibly grateful for these memories and will never forget the place that made them possible.