From the track and field team at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School to now working on launch vehicles in the aerospace industry, Miles Roper makes an impact everywhere he goes. 

Miles Roper, valedictorian of the Class of 2021 of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, is now a Mechanical/Vehicle Engineer at Astra Space, where he works on the upper stage of launch vehicles that help propel rockets and payloads into orbit. His passion for engineering centers on improving transportation and mobility through innovative technology, a focus that has guided his academic and professional path. 

At Astra Space, Miles contributes to aerospace systems that support orbital transportation and launch vehicle development. Outside of work, he continues hands-on engineering through combat robotics, building and competing with 3-, 12-, and 30-pound robots.  

Inspired by a lifelong interest in transportation and public transit in northern New Jersey, as well as his grandmother’s work at Merck & Co. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, he is driven to create solutions that improve everyday mobility. 

“I want to create solutions that enhance the mobility of the common person,” he said  

Miles credits Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools with helping him build both academic discipline and confidence to pursue rigorous STEM programs.  

“Scotch Plains-Fanwood challenged me to be disciplined academically while also keeping an open mind to explore interests outside the classroom,” he said. 

He participated in cross country and track and field, including a conference championship season his sophomore year, and values the teamwork and friendships built through athletics and school events. Influential mentors such as Coach Koegel and Mr. Matthew Tiedemann provided academic and athletic guidance that extended beyond the classroom.  

Miles earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he built a strong foundation in advanced engineering and problem-solving. He graduated in May with completing a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to pushing into challenging, highly technical environments while continuing to refine his expertise. 

Miles encourages SPF students to explore and be intentional in building their futures. He advises students to join activities aligned with their interests and invest deeply when passions emerge. 

“Work with intent,” he said. “When you find something you’re passionate about, don’t be afraid to invest more time in it.” 

He hopes to continue advancing aerospace engineering and developing technologies that make transportation and mobility more accessible and efficient.