NASA’s rich legacy was built by a diverse workforce of pioneers and innovators. We’re celebrating Black History Month by recognizing the employees who are leaving an enduring impact on our agency and humanity.
What is your role at NASA?
I am an Aerospace Research Engineer in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA’s Ames Research Center. My focus is in the area of systems health monitoring and control systems design with applications to air and space components, vehicles, and systems.
What is your background/what did you do before working at NASA?
Before NASA, I was an aerospace engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at Arlington. My research experiences also include stints at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where I worked on my dissertation research in aircraft formation flight for fuel savings. My efforts were demonstrated with flight tests by the U.S. Air Force to realize easily attainable fuel efficiencies with existing and new aircraft. I also worked at the Advanced Development Programs of Lockheed Martin, utilizing performance optimizing control techniques for the Joint Strike Fighter F-35C to improve efficiencies of aircraft belonging to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command. As an undergraduate aerospace student, I interned at Lockheed Martin on the Orion spacecraft, NASA’s crew exploration vehicle that will facilitate human exploration beyond low earth orbit. I was also an undergraduate research assistant in flight dynamics and controls, which motivated my current research interests.
What is your background/what did you do before working at NASA?
Before NASA, I was an aerospace engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at Arlington. My research experiences also include stints at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where I worked on my dissertation research in aircraft formation flight for fuel savings. My efforts were demonstrated with flight tests by the U.S. Air Force to realize easily attainable fuel efficiencies with existing and new aircraft. I also worked at the Advanced Development Programs of Lockheed Martin, utilizing performance optimizing control techniques for the Joint Strike Fighter F-35C to improve efficiencies of aircraft belonging to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command. As an undergraduate aerospace student, I interned at Lockheed Martin on the Orion spacecraft, NASA’s crew exploration vehicle that will facilitate human exploration beyond low earth orbit. I was also an undergraduate research assistant in flight dynamics and controls, which motivated my current research interests.
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
I lead a controls team on an Early Career Initiative - Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) project to advance the guidance and control technologies that will make precision landing for deployable entry vehicles a reality for planetary exploration. During the proposal process, we also had to submit a video with all members of the early career team. We came up with a cool video describing our technical backgrounds and proposal goals and ended with all of us walking away from the meatball at the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel with our hoodies on while Future’s “Mask Off” played in the background. It turns out the STMD reviewers loved it and we were one of two teams that won the $2.5 million dollar grant out of 18 proposals submitted agency-wide. Submitting a research proposal with a rap song to NASA-STMD and winning the grant is definitely one of my favorite memories.
I lead a controls team on an Early Career Initiative - Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) project to advance the guidance and control technologies that will make precision landing for deployable entry vehicles a reality for planetary exploration. During the proposal process, we also had to submit a video with all members of the early career team. We came up with a cool video describing our technical backgrounds and proposal goals and ended with all of us walking away from the meatball at the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel with our hoodies on while Future’s “Mask Off” played in the background. It turns out the STMD reviewers loved it and we were one of two teams that won the $2.5 million dollar grant out of 18 proposals submitted agency-wide. Submitting a research proposal with a rap song to NASA-STMD and winning the grant is definitely one of my favorite memories.
Is there anything you’d like to share in regards to Black History Month that has helped shape you?
The black pride and heritage you see in February around the San Francisco Bay Area is very inspiring. NASA and other tech companies put on such great events to promote black pride and power and it’s really one of my favorite months of the year in the area.
The black pride and heritage you see in February around the San Francisco Bay Area is very inspiring. NASA and other tech companies put on such great events to promote black pride and power and it’s really one of my favorite months of the year in the area.
What advice would you give to young African Americans seeking a career at NASA?
Bring all of you to work. Your innovation, creativity, and contributions are stifled when you attempt to fit in a box not made for you.
Bring all of you to work. Your innovation, creativity, and contributions are stifled when you attempt to fit in a box not made for you.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Exercise
Exercise
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting my aerospace engineering Ph.D.
Getting my aerospace engineering Ph.D.
What is your favorite food?
Nigerian fried yams
Nigerian fried yams
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Last Updated: Feb. 27, 2020
Editor: Rachael Blodgett
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