UCM Student Shares Insights as Young Quality Professional at National Aerospace Forum

UCM graduate student Kruthiik Majeti, far right, his fellow young quality professional panelists and the panel
moderator are seen at the Collaboration on Quality in the Space and Defense Industries (CQSDI) Forum.

 

Attendees at the 32nd annual Collaboration on Quality in the Space and Defense Industries (CQSDI) Forum heard from a University of Central Missouri (UCM) graduate student who spoke about his experiences as a young quality professional.

Kruthiik Majeti, a graduate student from Vijayawada, India, studying Industrial Management, participated in a panel titled “Past, Present, and Future from a Young Quality Professional,” along with peers from RTX, the University of Mississippi, Space Dynamics Laboratory, and Northrop Grumman.

The prestigious CQSDI Forum, focused on quality in the aerospace and defense sectors, took place in March in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is co-hosted by NASA, the Department of Defense, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Defense Contract Management Agency and sponsored by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Aviation, Space, and Defense Division. 

The workshop facilitated a collaborative roundtable discussion about challenges faced by young quality professionals working in the aviation, space and defense industries. The panelists also provided insights on what it takes to attract, retain and grow young professionals in those industries. 

“As a panelist, he is responsible for providing valuable insights into the future of the space and aerospace sectors,” said Joleen Watson, Ph.D., assistant professor with the School of Industrial Sciences and Technology graduate programs. “He is establishing himself as an emerging leader among quality and engineering professionals and exemplifying the breadth and depth of knowledge of our School of Industrial Sciences and Technology graduate students.”

Majeti said attending the CQSDI Forum was an incredible experience and that it was an honor to represent the next generation of quality leaders.

“Young quality professionals bring fresh perspectives, new technological insights and innovative problem-solving approaches to the industry,” Majeti said. “As industries evolve with automation, AI and data-driven decision-making, it is essential for young professionals to be involved in discussions that shape quality standards and practices. By engaging with experienced professionals, we can bridge generational knowledge gaps and ensure that quality management adapts to modern challenges while maintaining its core principles.”

As he works toward career goals, Majeti saw the CQSDI Forum as a valuable opportunity to connect with and learn from industry leaders. He encouraged more students to seek out experiences that allow for professional growth.

“Being selected to participate in a workshop at such a prestigious event was both exciting and humbling,” Majeti said. “It reinforced my belief in the importance of actively engaging with industry professionals and staying updated on the latest trends in quality management.”

Majeti not only had the opportunity to attend and participate in the forum, but he created the opportunity for himself. He reached out to the conference organizers and volunteered for the young quality professionals panel, which landed him a spot next to panelists from prominent universities and companies. Majeti also obtained a grant from the UCM Graduate Studies Graduate Student Scholarly Travel Fund.

Watson said it exemplifies how Majeti is “driven and fearless.”

“Kruthiik has exceeded expectations in engagement with the School of Industrial Sciences and Technology graduate programs from the beginning,” Watson said. “At our first meeting in the department orientation, he asked how he could get involved with research and projects. He has worked with the Engineering Technology labs and is currently a graduate assistant in the Industrial Management program. Kruthiik also serves as the ASQ Student Branch vice president. He has shown natural leadership by example skills, participating in all professional development, fundraising and community building events.”

Majeti has also secured an offer letter for a summer internship with Polaris, where he will be applying quality and engineering principles. Watson noted that Majeti is an engineer to the core, and he even enjoys tinkering with 3D printing in his free time. 

Before joining UCM, Majeti earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and gained experience working in both research and industry settings. After completing his master’s degree, Majeti hopes to work in the aerospace industry as a quality engineer, focusing on manufacturing processes, defect reduction and operational efficiency. 

“UCM has prepared me well for this path by offering coursework that blends industrial engineering principles with real-world applications,” Majeti said. “My role as a graduate assistant has also strengthened my ability to manage projects, analyze data and collaborate with cross-functional teams — skills that are crucial in the quality and operations field.”

For more information about the Industrial Management program at UCM, click here.