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For Grace Tuttle, choosing to attend the University of Houston ultimately provided her with more than just an education and a career — It led to her meeting her husband at the Cullen College of Engineering, with the two coogs tying the knot.

On February 14, 2025, Grace married Jakob Lee, a fellow 2024 Mechanical Engineering graduate, and took his last name. Grace Lee said they first met in the second semester of freshman year in Calculus 2, with Jakob joining the class several weeks late because of some scheduling issues.

“It wasn’t until two weeks into the semester that Jakob first walked into my Calculus 2 lab after changing his schedule. Something just clicked the first time I saw him,” she said. “I ended up inserting myself into a conversation he was having with someone else, which was so, so out of character for me as I am typically very shy.”

“We hit it off immediately, and when it was time for my next class, I offered to walk him there since he’d forgotten an umbrella and it was pouring outside. As fate would have it, I pulled out my yellow umbrella — just like in the plot of one of his favorite shows at the time, How I Met Your Mother, where a yellow umbrella ties the whole love story together. Looking back, it’s amazing how a full class and a little yellow umbrella brought us together.”

Lee was attracted to UH for a combination of academic and economic reasons.

“I originally chose the University of Houston because it was a much more affordable option compared to other schools, while still offering a strong mechanical engineering program,” she said. “I knew I wanted to pursue a career in aerospace, and staying in Houston felt like a smart move to stay connected to opportunities in that industry. I also worked throughout high school and college, so staying local meant I didn’t have to change jobs or completely uproot my life, which helped me balance work and school more effectively.”

Lee worked throughout high school and college, in an internship with KBR, a conventional retail job, and running her own business. She attributed this strong work ethic and lofty academic goals to her family.

“Growing up, I was always told I would go to college. There was never a question about it!” she said. “My mom always set high expectations for me, and while that could feel overwhelming at times, she always gave me the support I needed to chase my dreams. From a young age, I knew I wanted to design something that would go into space.”

Jakob was a positive influence when it came to earning her degree as well.

“In high school, I went through some tough life events and started to lose sight of what I was capable of. But everything began to shift when I met Jakob in Calculus. He showed me how to study effectively and helped me find the drive and confidence I had lost,” she said.

“I also found an incredible group of friends at UH who made school work more fun. My sister was always a great role model for me growing up, and I’ve always admired the example she set and looked up to her. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouragement of my mom, Jakob, my UH friends, and my sister. I’m even thankful for the struggles I went through in high school because they made me appreciate the person I’ve become even more. If I could share one thing, it’s that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel even when it’s hard to see.

Lee used the UH Career Fair to pursue her interest in the aerospace industry. She attended it during her sophomore year, and landed an internship between her junior and senior year.

“Before the fair, I did my research on the companies that had ties in space exploration,” she said. “I prepped lots in advance and tailored my elevator pitch to highlight my passion for aerospace design specifically. At the fair, I ended up speaking with a recruiter at the KBR booth, who connected me with NASA’s Human Health and Performance Contract (HHPC). I landed an internship through that connection and made sure to stay in touch with my boss.”

It was that connection that led to her current full-time job as a Mechanical Design Engineer supporting NASA's Human Health and Performance Contract (HHPC) at Geo Control Systems/KBR.

“My previous boss [from my internship] ended up offering me a full-time position after my graduation in May 2024! I took the summer off to travel and recharge, and then started in August as a design engineer for HHPC, which is quite literally my dream job designing flight hardware. I’m so grateful to have stumbled into the opportunity.”

Lee stressed the importance of preparation and drive for students looking to land their dream gig like she did.

“For current students and graduates, my advice would be: do your research, be intentional, and don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm for what you love. A little preparation and genuine passion can go a long way.”