ConnectUs Youth Spotlight EP 2 - (Nishka's Journey into Space as a Sophomore in Canada)
- Lucia Kwag
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In Episode 2 of the ConnectUs Youth Career Exchange Podcast, we had a meaningful conversation with Nishka Mundhra - a sophomore in Canada whose ambitions reach beyond Earth.
For those unfamiliar with ConnectUs, our podcast highlights passionate youths who are actively building toward their futures. Our goal is to make opportunities visible and accessible for motivated, under-resourced students by showcasing what is possible even at a young age.
Nishka perfectly embodies our mission.
From Long Car Rides to Limitless Space
Born in the United States and now studying in Canada, Nishka's passion and interest with space began early. Frequent moves between countries meant long car rides, which turned into opportunities for reflection. Looking up at the sky, she found herself captivated by something bigger than schools and borders.
"I'm passionate about everything in space because I see it as humanity's next frontier. Space cannot be replaced by AI," she shared. "We are born to inherit the stars."
For her, space is not just rockets and satellites; it represents possibility and the future of humanity.
Building the Future
What makes Nishka's story compelling is not just her passion. It's how she acts on it.
🌍 TKS x United Nations Consulting Challenge
Through a collaboration with TKS (The Knowledge Society) and the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs, Nishka co-developed a prototype solution for tracking cattle migrations in South Sudan using optical imaging technology and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data. Her goal was to prevent livestock loss and improve food security.
By reducing cattle-related losses, the solution could potentially support thousands of people and strengthen sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable regions. This project shows how space-based technologies, even if they are perceived as distant or abstract, can directly impact humanitarian challenges on Earth.
💡 Top 5 in Toronto - TKS x Google Sprint
Beyond aerospace, Nishka has demonstrated leadership in tech and consulting. During a TKS x Google Sprint challenge, she served as a Project Manager for a team that placed Top 5 in Toronto.
Her solution, "Google Comms," proposed a centralized internal database designed to streamline communication between product and seller teams. Through tackling inefficiencies, she was able to grow her ability to think systemically across industries.
🛰 CubeSat (Power-Constrained Design)
Nishka also designed a CubeSat simulation that tracks light using a servo motor to mimic solar panel orientation toward a light source. With a built-in two-second delay to prevent false positives and a piezo buzzer trigger, the project simulated real-world engineering constraints.
More Than Academics
Nishka's growth has not been limited to technical projects.
She works hard to maintain her 4.0 GPA and actively connects with students and professionals on LinkedIn to build relationships and learn from mentors. She is also involved in youth-focused initiatives aimed at expanding access to space opportunities and supporting mental health awareness as an ambassador.
In the next few years, Nishka hopes to continue building ambitious engineering projects, deepen her understanding of aerospace systems, and expand her impact through youth initiatives. Moreover, she's attempting to write more poetries to expand her writing skills.
Advice to Future Students
When asked what advice she would give to other students interested in space, her answer was clear:
"Just start. Build relationships. Reach out!"
Opportunities are rarely handed out. They are built.
Overall, at ConnectUs, we believe stories like Nishka's matter because they redefine what is possible for high school students. She is a proof that age is not a barrier to impact, and that ambition, when paired with action, creates momentum.
For Lucia, listening to her story felt especially inspiring. Having also experienced moving schools in Grade 10 while living in Canada, she knew firsthand how challenging it can be to adapt to a new environment while chasing big goals. Woosung also felt connected with her as he experienced moving schools in Grade 10 to Austin, Texas. Nishka's creativity and passion show that with ambition and initiative, students can thrive - no matter where they are or how much change they face.
We hope you enjoyed Episode 2 of the ConnectUs Youth Career Exchange Podcast. The episode will be available on Spotify and promoted across our social media platforms.
The full podcast (audio & voice recording) is attached below:
Stay tuned for our next episode!
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