Thendral Kamal

B.S. Aerospace Engineering
Purdue University

Thendral Kamal is a senior studying Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering and Political Science (BSAAE’26) at Purdue University. Since age 13, she has worked toward her dream of becoming the first Indian woman to set foot on Mars.

Her passion to pursue a career in aerospace solidified when she designed and flew a reduced-gravity experiment onboard a parabolic flight, at age 16. This experience has propelled her into industry roles at Delta Air Lines in aircraft structural support, and at SES Satellites in space sustainability.

As Purdue’s first international Brooke Owens Fellow, Thendral advocated for STEM outreach in rural American communities at the White House. Her advocacy and leadership have drawn recognition from former VP Kamala Harris, Vogue, and the Society of Women Engineers, which recently named her an Outstanding Collegiate Member.

A dynamic storyteller and speaker, Thendral has captivated audiences across the globe with her journey, from delivering her first TEDx talk, ‘We Choose to Go to Mars,’ in Dubai, to presenting the Neil Armstrong Space Prize in Washington, D.C. Today, she continues to engage thousands of followers on social media, inspiring the next generation to dream beyond the Earth’s atmosphere

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Related Sessions

Master Moderator: Thendral Kamal

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

8:45 am - 12:00 pm

Track: Symposium Program

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