Jessica Gagen: The Aerospace Engineer, Miss England, and STEM Advocate Making Waves
Jessica Gagen is an extraordinary blend of intellect, beauty, and ambition. Rising to prominence not only as Miss England 2022-2024 but also as an aerospace engineer, public speaker, and passionate STEM advocate, Jessica has a unique story that transcends the typical path of pageant winners. Her journey includes academic achievements in engineering, contributions to the aerospace industry, and significant advocacy work aimed at inspiring young women to enter STEM fields. Let’s dive into the remarkable life of Jessica Gagen, exploring her background, accomplishments, and aspirations that position her as an inspiring figure for young minds globally.
Early Life and Education: A Foundation in STEM and Modeling
Jessica Gagen was born in 1996 or 1997, making her around 27 years old as of 2024. Growing up in England, Jessica exhibited a strong academic inclination early on, which paved the way for her future in STEM. Excelling in school, she was not only involved in academics but also actively participated in sports, winning the “Sports Woman of the Year” award at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School.
Her academic journey took a focused turn when she attended Winstanley College, studying subjects like Chemistry, Biology, and Maths. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Liverpool, where her passion for technology and problem-solving truly blossomed. Jessica’s engineering studies included a specialized project on the topology optimization of non-pneumatic tire CAD prototypes. Using tools like ABAQUS for finite element analysis (FEA), she conducted cutting-edge research, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Her strong analytical abilities and project management skills were instrumental in achieving a first-class degree.
Jessica Gagen Miss England: From Pageantry to STEM Advocacy
Jessica’s rise in the beauty pageant world began with her title as Miss Lancashire in 2021. She went on to claim the prestigious title of Miss England in 2022, a historic achievement as the first redhead to win the competition in its 94-year history. Jessica used her Miss England platform to promote education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to a broad audience. Conducting free “#STEMSchoolTalks” across schools in the UK, Jessica inspired countless young students, showcasing the incredible opportunities STEM careers offer.
Her role as Miss England enabled her to work with organizations like Boeing and the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab, enhancing her visibility and credibility as a STEM ambassador. In 2023, Jessica was even invited to speak at the ASCEND Space Conference in Las Vegas, a significant honor reflecting her dedication to bridging the gap between STEM and public engagement.
Jessica Gagen’s Career in Aerospace Engineering: A Future Astronaut in the Making?
Following her academic success, Jessica stepped into the professional world of aerospace engineering. As of September 2024, Jessica works as an International Sales Engineer at Gulfstream Aerospace, a prominent company in the aerospace sector, based in London. Her responsibilities include not only technical engineering work but also international sales and client relations. Her role demonstrates her versatility, blending technical expertise with networking and communication skills—a rare combination in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Jessica’s ultimate dream is to become an astronaut, and her achievements in engineering and advocacy bring her closer to this goal. Her work with Gulfstream Aerospace and her continuous professional development show her commitment to contributing to space exploration.
Modeling and Public Speaking: Jessica Gagen’s Impact Beyond STEM
Jessica’s career in modeling began at a young age with PHA Model & Casting Agency, which later led to her signing with Boss Model Management in 2014. Since then, she has worked with leading commercial brands across nine countries, bringing her natural confidence and charisma to the fashion world. Jessica is currently signed with W Models in London and Independent Model Management in Milan, representing her on international platforms.
As a model, Jessica has graced numerous campaigns and has effectively utilized her visibility to further her STEM mission. As Miss England and Miss UK 2024-2025, Jessica’s ability to articulate her passion for engineering and space in public forums has made her an inspiring role model for young women worldwide. Winning the public speaking round at Miss World by delivering a compelling speech on decarbonizing aviation through hydrogen technology showcased her ability to captivate audiences on complex, impactful topics.
Jessica Gagen Miss World: A Global Advocate for STEM
Jessica’s journey continued on the world stage as she represented England in the Miss World 2024 competition. Her performance in the competition not only highlighted her beauty but also her intelligence and leadership. She left the competition with the titles of Miss UK and Miss World Europe, ranking highest among all UK and European contestants. Jessica’s speech on climate change and the role of women in engineering was well-received, and her success in the public speaking round underscored her talent for communicating important issues to global audiences.
Jessica Gagen Height, Age, and Physical Attributes
Standing at approximately 5 feet 10 inches, Jessica’s height and natural red hair set her apart in the modeling world. Her distinct look, combined with her impressive academic and professional achievements, make her a truly unique figure in the modeling and pageant industries. Her age, around 27 years old as of 2024, marks a point where she has already achieved significant milestones, with much potential for future accomplishments.
Jessica Gagen NASA Collaborations and STEM Ambassadorship
Jessica’s collaborations extend to prestigious organizations like NASA. During her visit to the Kennedy Space Center, she operated the Boeing Starliner simulator, further cementing her connection with the space industry. Her ambition to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers aligns with NASA’s mission, making her an ideal ambassador for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and astronauts.
As an ambassador for both the National Numeracy Charity and International Women in Engineering Day 2023, Jessica has a visible commitment to STEM advocacy. She consistently uses her platform to highlight the need for gender diversity in engineering and technology, showcasing that women can excel in these fields.
Jessica Gagen’s Skills and Technical Proficiency
Beyond public speaking and modeling, Jessica has a range of technical skills. She possesses proficiency in Python and MATLAB, as well as HTML and CSS for web development. Her experience with CAD software like CREO and FEA tools such as ABAQUS highlights her in-depth understanding of engineering software. Additionally, Jessica has developed websites, contributed to research in materials engineering, and is adept in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that supports her engineering and STEM initiatives.
Jessica Gagen Biography: The Story of a Rising Star
Jessica Gagen’s biography tells a story of resilience, ambition, and a drive to make a difference. Balancing her roles as Miss England, aerospace engineer, public speaker, and model, Jessica defies conventional boundaries. Her educational background, professional achievements, and advocacy efforts make her an influential figure, not only in the UK but globally.
As Jessica moves forward with her career at Gulfstream Aerospace and her advocacy efforts, she continues to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM. Her dedication to her work and her community service through #STEMSchoolTalks show her commitment to creating a more inclusive future for women in engineering and technology.
Conclusion
Jessica Gagen is more than just a pageant winner or a model; she is a role model and a catalyst for change. Her contributions to the aerospace industry, advocacy for STEM, and collaborations with organizations like NASA, Boeing, and the UK government make her a powerful voice in both beauty and brains. Jessica’s life journey encourages young women to dream big, challenge norms, and pursue careers in fields where they can make a significant impact. With aspirations of reaching space, Jessica Gagen’s story has only just begun, and her journey promises to continue inspiring future generations.
