Meet Boston John, SDL Student Scholar & Engineering Assistant

Flight has always fascinated Boston John. He flew his first airplane at age 13 and earned a Private Pilot Certificate through an Air Force scholarship just four years later. This fascination shaped Boston’s educational and career trajectory, eventually bringing him to Utah State University (USU) and the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL).

A Strategic Transfer

Boston began his mechanical engineering studies at Columbia University, where he was a member of the university’s Formula Racing team. Financial constraints led him to seek a more economical option for continuing his education. He chose USU specifically for its access to hands-on aerospace work through SDL. Since then, he has found USU and SDL to be the “perfect place” to combine coursework with practical engineering application.

Working Real-World Solutions

SDL is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) owned by USU. As a UARC, SDL’s mission includes hiring and mentoring the next generation of engineering professionals. Boston, alongside SDL’s full workforce that includes more than 150 student employees, supports programs of national importance that advance both science and defense. This reciprocal relationship between SDL and USU produces a pipeline of highly skilled student employees prepared to contribute immediately to such programs.

Applied Engineering at SDL

Boston designs, builds, and tests unmanned aircraft systems, primarily working with counter-UAS effectors and airframes. “What I love most about working at SDL is the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology while attending school full time,” Boston recalls. His role as an engineering assistant provides opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-world systems and to develop practical skills early in his career. He also notes that his work at SDL has significantly strengthened his readiness for future opportunities.

Recognition & Visibility

Boston’s technical expertise and dedication to engineering excellence have been recognized both near and far. He received SDL’s Science and Engineering Scholarship in 2023 and 2024 and was recognized as an SDL Student Scholar. At the national level, Boston was named Utah’s only 2025 Astronaut Scholar, a competitive award given to top STEM students across the country. He recently interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he worked on Chopper, the next-generation Mars hexacopter.

Reflecting on these experiences, he said, “It has honestly felt surreal,” particularly while presenting his work at SDL and JPL through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Following those presentations, Boston has been invited to present at the Kennedy Space Center in May and participate on a panel alongside accomplished aerospace engineers.

Next Steps in Engineering

Boston will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering this spring. He plans to continue at USU to pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. His goal is to continue working on advanced flight systems. While he credits SDL as a key factor in shaping his career path, providing both technical experience and access to industry-relevant work, his mentors at SDL credit him with a strong commitment to learning, leadership, and professional growth.