For 15-year-old Lorrie Deus, learning about satellites became something she could do with her
own hands. At Gautam Buddha University in India, the Akhepran International Academy student built miniature satellite models, worked with electronic components and joined girls from around the world in exploring the possibilities of space science.
The Grade 12 honour scholar recently represented The Bahamas at the ShakthiSAT Space Education Summit, accompanied by Bahamian co-ambassadors Lillian Flowers and Daphney Towns. The experience brought together her interests in robotics, programming and science while giving her a new platform to encourage other girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Created by Dr. Srimathy Kesan and led by Space Kidz India, ShakthiSAT aims to engage approximately 12,000 girls from 108 nations in satellite education, practical scientific learning and international collaboration.
For Lorrie, the journey began at school in September 2025, when Akhepran President Dr. Jacinta Higgs introduced students to the initiative and the opportunity to represent their country in India.
“I told myself I would do whatever it takes to be selected,” Lorrie recalled.
That determination was followed by months of preparation. The programme involved more than 80 online modules, representing approximately 120 hours of learning about space science and technology. Teachers and mentors Mr. Godfred Ansong Acheampong, Mr. Thomas Ferguson and Ms. Martha McFall helped guide students through the material.
Lorrie’s participation in Akhepran’s Robotics Club and other STEM activities, including programming and coding, provided a foundation for the challenge. A robotics champion and Head Girl Elect, she also brought experience in environmental and youth leadership activities.
When she learned that the school’s board had selected her to represent The Bahamas, Lorrie expressed gratitude to God and to Akhepran for the opportunity to take her learning onto an international stage.
In India, that learning quickly became practical.
An early drone simulation introduced her to mapping and scaling, connecting technology she had studied with applications beyond the classroom. During the official induction ceremony, she stood alongside more than 100 girls representing countries around the world, united by their interest in STEM and space exploration.
Over the following days, professors and space professionals taught participants about satellites, payloads and the operation of spacecraft. Students then applied those lessons through activities involving miniature satellite models, soldering, circuit boards and motors.
Lorrie also took part in wire bonding, a process used to connect electronic components within a payload. These sessions gave her an opportunity to examine the small but essential connections behind complex space technology.
One particularly memorable activity invited participants to write personal messages intended to be sent into space as part of the planned mission.
The experience offered lessons beyond engineering. Working alongside girls from different countries required communication, teamwork and an openness to different perspectives. Shared scientific interests became a starting point for friendships across cultural and national boundaries.
The summit concluded with a Space Walk, during which participants wore traditional clothing representing their countries. Lorrie proudly represented The Bahamas among the international gathering.
Participants also committed to continuing their involvement in STEM and sharing space education with other girls—a responsibility Lorrie has begun carrying out at home.
On October 14, 2026, she shared her ShakthiSAT experience during Geospatial Week in Nassau. As the youngest presenter, she spoke alongside international guest speakers about her journey in India and the importance of STEM and space education.
Her pursuit of new opportunities has continued. While in India, Lorrie applied to IGNITE-HER, an all-girls STEM programme, and was selected alongside fellow Akhepran student Zoe Storr.
For Akhepran, her participation reflects the school’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with opportunities in robotics, aviation, aerospace, environmental education and global citizenship.
For Lorrie, the impact is personal as well as academic. She credits the experience with strengthening her confidence, communication, teamwork, technical knowledge and leadership abilities. It has also deepened her desire to inspire other young girls and give back to her community.
She expressed appreciation to president Dr. Jacinta Higgs, the Akhepran board, her teachers and mentors, and her parents for supporting her preparation and participation.
From completing online modules in The Bahamas to working with satellite components in India, Lorrie’s journey has given her more than a glimpse of possible careers. It has given her practical experience—and a story she can now share with other Bahamian students beginning to imagine their own futures in science.
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