Shahana Aziz Pagen
Senior Electronics Design Engineer
Genesis Engineering Inc.
Shahana Aziz Pagen, prominent in the field of electronics design engineering, stands as a living example of the proverb that roots may shape, but wings defineBorn in the United States, Shahana’s journey took an early detour to the rich mosaic of Bangladesh, where her parents sought to weave the vibrant hues of her heritage into the fabric of her upbringing. Little did they know that this journey would sculpt a mind destined for stellar heights in the cosmos of engineering.
In the midst of strenuous academic study, Shahana’s determination shone brightly. Her academic journey commenced with distinction, culminating in the Secondary School Certification (SSC) from Shaheed Anwar in 1990. The stellar course continued as she etched her name among the nation’s elite, securing the 6th position nationwide and an impressive 2nd among her female peers in the Higher Secondary Certification (HSC) exam from Viqarunnessa Noon College in 1992.
Armed with academic success, Shahana embarked on a transoceanic odyssey to the United States, where the corridors of knowledge unfolded before her. The University of Maryland became the forge where she forged her understanding of Electrical Engineering, a discipline that became the canvas for her intellectual brushstrokes. Johns Hopkins University, a forge of academic rigor, bestowed upon her the mantle of a master’s degree in the same field, elevating her skills to the zenith of expertise.
The accolades, like stars in the cosmic expanse, adorned Shahana’s journey. Presidents’ lists distinctions became notches on her academic belt, gleaming as constellations in the night sky of her achievements. Her brilliance shone through in the form of Asian Student Excellence and Electrical Engineering Excellence Awards, honours that underscored not only her mastery of the subject matter but also her indomitable spirit.
The story of Shahana’s professional saga began its first chapter at Hughes Network Systems, where she wove the strands of her knowledge into the intricate tapestry of telecommunication systems. The hardware design landscape, akin to a celestial canvas, beckoned her to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in 2002. Little did she know that this leap of professional faith would become a cosmic ballet, with her at the forefront of celestial choreography.
At NASA, Shahana’s star soared higher and brighter. Her digital hardware design prowess found its expression in the intricate realms of Printed Circuit Board and Field Programmable Gate Array design. The celestial ballet she choreographed spanned over two decades, leaving a lasting mark on multiple NASA missions.
As the Hardware Lead on the James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Science Instrument Module Command and Data Handling Subsystem, Shahana orchestrated a cosmic symphony. Her designs found manifestation in missions like ICESAT2, MMS, and GPM, adorning the celestial canvas with her technological artistry. The fruits of her labor continue to unfold in upcoming missions—RST, PACE, Dragonfly, and GDC—each a celestial dance, choreographed by the hands that have touched the stars.
Shahana is not only skilled on Earth but also excels in the complex areas of signal and power integrity simulation. Her ability to use these tools ensures that the space equipment she designs works seamlessly, showcasing her dedication to high standards. Her intellectual journey is not just about exploring space but also a story of leadership, proven by the awards she has received, like NASA’s Individual Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal and multiple Exceptional Achievement Team medals.
Moreover, Shahana has made a significant impact in academia. The papers she wrote on signal and power integrity simulation serve as guides for upcoming engineers exploring the vast field of hardware design.
In the world of engineering, Shahana Aziz Pagen is more than just an engineer. She is like an artist, creating designs that leave a lasting impact on the history of space exploration. The achievements in her biography aren’t just stars in the sky; they represent significant milestones in her ongoing journey, driven by her passion and determination.
