From dreamer to trailblazer: Nigerian woman set for the skies

In the world of space exploration, aviation and cybersecurity, women of colour are a rare sight, globally, and to emerge from the challenges of these fields is always a story of perseverance. The story of Princess Chimmy Joeaneke, a United States-based aerospace engineer, with advanced expertise in information systems security, is remarkable for her groundbreaking research in alternative space travel and cutting edge innovations in the integration of cybersecurity in aerospace systems.

A Nigerian whose dreams were planted in the streets of Abuja, she has emerged as one of the innovators whose study and research could help drive the aviation and security sectors and set new standards for safety, innovation and sustainability.

From a young age, Chimmy was captivated by the world of aviation, inspired by her father’s career in the sector and her mother’s love for travel. This unique combination sparked her curiosity and fascination with aeroplanes—their design, their mechanics and their flight, and peaked at the point of space travel. She determined quite early to go for the skies, despite often hearing that fields are believed, especially in Africa, to be for the men only.

Chimmy remained undeterred and as a young girl, she would gaze in awe at the sky, dreaming of becoming a pioneer in those fields traditionally dominated by men and a select few. But how does she realize her dream in a country where no institution, at the time, offered programmes in space, aerospace or aeronautical engineering?

Her dreams took flight in 2016 when she earned a scholarship to study Aerospace Engineering at the prestigious Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne, Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering in May 2020. Her success at the school renowned for its remarkable aerospace programmes marked her as one of the few African women to achieve excellence in that challenging field.

The journey did not end there. Her desire to make a tangible impact in the field led her to pursue and earn a Masters degree in Information Systems Security at the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky in the United States. This move was both strategic and visionary as she understood the growing intersection of aviation and cybersecurity. Her advanced studies equipped her with cutting-edge skills to protect critical aviation systems and infrastructure from emerging threats.

While such expertise served as a catalyst for transforming the aviation industry in the United States, she realized it could be transformative in other less-developed economies, especially in Nigeria where the aviation sector has become a critical component of the nation’s economic infrastructure. The increasing demand for safety, efficiency and technological advancement imposes on the sector the imperative to evolve to meet global standards.

The application of such expertise in the aviation sector could lead to several positive outcomes, including enhanced safety, better aircraft maintenance protocols, more secure communication systems and operational efficiency. These are critical factors in developing economies where the aviation sector faces challenges related to the maintenance and operational efficiency of aircraft, and where such technologies could revolutionize how the industry manages resources.

And if she had Nigeria in mind, for instance, she must have reasoned that such cutting edge innovations could position the aviation sector as a leader in the continent.

In addition to her academic attainments, she has worked on pioneering research related to alternative space travel using helium balloons. The research work on Recoverable High Altitude Balloon (ReHAB), sponsored by Northrop Grumman – major stakeholder in the aerospace industry – at the FIT with support by the Aldrin Space Institute. This innovative approach aims to provide the potential for space tourism that is more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method compared to traditional rocket launches. Her research has garnered international recognition, with publications addressing critical issues such as the impact of AI and automation on the workforce and advanced certifications in information systems security that position her as a leading figure in the development of secure aviation technologies. These reflect her innovative thinking and her growing contribution into the integration of security measures within the aviation industry.

In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, cyber attacks on aviation infrastructure can have catastrophic consequences – from disrupting flights to compromising of sensitive data – the integration of cybersecurity in aerospace systems is critical. Additionally, the adaptability of UAVs for various purposes, including surveillance, cargo delivery, and disaster response, presents an opportunity to expand the capabilities of the aviation sector.

In an industry where women are significantly underrepresented, especially women of colour – even in the US – Chimmy’s success is both groundbreaking and inspiring. Her journey from a curious child to a leading expert in multiple critical fields is a powerful reminder that true innovation often begins with a dream and the courage to pursue it. Backed by hands-on experience in several high-end tech companies in the US – Dell Technologies, Amazon Inc. and Mural Microsoft where she served as a Microsoft IT Consultant – stand her out. For the 27-year-old who hails from Obinagu in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, it is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity, a story that encourages young women everywhere to pursue their dreams, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.

Her contributions are not just a personal triumph but a catalyst for change that are significant for Nigeria’s aviation and security sectors in need for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering and cybersecurity. Her expertise, like those of a few in those fields, stands her at the intersection between innovation and opportunity, moreso in developing economies that are increasingly reliant on digital systems for air traffic management, communication and data storage.