UW–Madison Scholar Interns at FTS International, Sets Sights on Space
For Akesh Mallia, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Posse Scholar, a fascination with space began early. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he frequently visited the National Air and Space Museum—experiences that sparked a lasting dream: to one day build something that leaves Earth’s atmosphere.
Last summer, Akesh took a meaningful step toward that goal through an internship with government contractor FTS International.
“I believe that when anyone, anywhere, looks up at a sky full of stars or a moon rising above the horizon, they feel a sense of wonder,” Akesh said. “I’m drawn to space because it is both unifying and exciting. I want to engineer spacecraft because of the inherent challenge it presents. With extreme temperature cycles, radiation, and the vacuum of space, it’s not forgiving. Yet when humans overcome those challenges, incredible things happen.”
Akesh is studying mechanical engineering with plans to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. During his internship, he collaborated with a team of fellow interns to develop a Python-based data simulation tool that models how intelligence satellites collect and interpret data. The software allows users to visualize what satellites “see,” simulating how signals—such as radio frequency transmissions—can be used to identify and locate objects on Earth.
The project will have a lasting impact: the tool Akesh helped build will become part of the software suite used by the National Reconnaissance Office, a key partner of FTS International.
For Akesh, the experience was defined not only by technical growth, but also by mentorship. He credits the guidance of on-staff mentors and the unique opportunity to work alongside company leadership in a shared office environment as especially meaningful aspects of the internship.
That emphasis on mentorship continues back on campus. At UW–Madison, Akesh finds support within the Posse Scholar community. He is also beginning to mentor others himself, serving as a teaching assistant for an introductory mechanical engineering course.
“One of the ways I want to show leadership is by spreading knowledge,” he said. “I enjoy breaking down concepts, creating analogies, and approaching ideas as if I were learning them for the first time.”
As he looks ahead to a future in aerospace engineering, Akesh hopes to pay forward the mentorship that has shaped his journey—guiding and inspiring the next generation of Scholars to reach for the stars.
