By: Patti Curtis, Senior STEM Advisor, Office of the Deputy Secretary
On August 14, 2024, the Office of the Deputy Secretary, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), held a YOU Belong in STEM webinar entitled Inclusive Higher Education Pathways that featured grant programs for minority serving institutions (MSIs) of higher education and student work-based STEM learning opportunities. U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Amanda Miller shared information about several Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) programs that support MSIs and their students including HSI-STEM (Hispanic Serving Institution-STEM), MSEIP (Minority Science & Engineering Improvement Program), PPOHA (Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans) and Upward Bound Math and Science. NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Torry Johnson and his colleagues shared information regarding MUREP (Minority University Research and Education Program), numerous student-focused NASA internships, STEM challenges related to the Artemis II Mission, and other educator resources. Finally, the conversation featured five student beneficiaries of these federal investments to speak to their personal experiences. Here are some highlights from their reflections:
1. Who or what inspired your interest in STEM?
Jibrail Muhammad, Jr., Alabama A&M University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Systems concentration: As a high school freshman, my math teacher suggested I take a career assessment to see what career paths aligned with my personality. I was surprised engineering was an option. I enrolled in a drafting design course, which exposed me to 2D design and 3D printing and solidified my interest in STEM. Finding engineering mentors in my hometown who looked like me, made pursuing a STEM career feel attainable.
Mackenzie Contreras, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Mechanical Engineering Major: My father, who loves doing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work around the house, is an inspiration to me. In 8th grade, I was encouraged to participate in a GEAR UP program called TexPREP, a pre-freshman engineering program held at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. I was able to take advanced classes throughout the summer, participate in weekly competitions that involved bottle rockets, popsicle bridges, and building a habitat to prevent an egg from breaking. These influences inspired me to pursue a mechanical engineering degree.
Q1 Tara Roanhorse, Haskell Indian Nations University, Communications Major: My inspiration to pursue STEM came from my family and growing up surrounded by nature and science. I’ve always had an innate interest in figuring out how things work. But I never saw myself working in STEM because I didn’t grow up seeing anyone work in STEM. I decided to pursue communications as a career path, which led me to meeting Ms. Romero from EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). She served as a mentor and provided me connections to people in a variety of government agencies across the country.
2. How did federal programs help you along the way?
Sami Rahman, St. Thomas University, FL, Computer Science Major: MSEIP led me to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. I was given a dream job as a Pathways intern at NASA, allowing me to not only build professional relationships, but enhance my technical skills. The program pushes you to new limits and was the best opportunity in my academic career thus far.
Mackenzie: The University Preparation (UPREP) program, a continuation of TexPREP for high school seniors, allowed me to take two university courses while staying on campus to experience university life. The Research, Education and Financial Literacy EXcellence for Minority-focused Engagement (REFLEX ME) was a summer MSEIP virtual research internship that provided me with two mentors.
During the Southwest Research Institute funded by NASA MUREP INCLUDE, I gained valuable experience in contributing to group projects. Finally, the MSEIP NASA Summer 2024 Internship enabled me to connect and network with new people within my field and beyond. Being an introvert, this opportunity really pushed me to grow and learn how to communicate and to ask questions, helping me overcome any fears.
3. What advice do you have for younger students based on your experience and success?
Jibrail: Remember that your network is your net worth, so connect with peers, mentors, and professionals who can support your journey and offer valuable insights. Fine tune your project management and leadership skills. Pursue multiple internships. You too might land a full-time job at NASA!
Mackenzie: Seize every opportunity that comes your way because you never know where it will lead you. Make connections with all your professors because they can open doors for you that you didn’t know existed. Taking advantage of new opportunities will build your confidence and real-world skills. See what your school or university has to offer when it comes to programs, scholarships or any assistance and apply for everything!
Sami: Get out there and take risks! I was focused on collegiate sports until the opportunity to intern at NASA came along. I took a chance and moved away; it was the best decision I could have made. Please do not limit yourself. If you see an opportunity, grab it. You won’t regret it!
Tara: My advice for anyone interested in STEM is to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and create your own path into the world of STEM. No one has the same history as you, so no one has the same path, so make the most of it!
To learn more about future webinars and other STEM opportunities, sign up for the U.S. Department of Education STEM Newsletter here.
