Trinidadian Born NASA Rocket Scientist: Camille Alleyne

-
Proud to be Caribbean American.....
Camille Alleyne
 
Trinidadian Born, NASA Rocket Scientist – That’s Camille Alleyne!
 
 
Where are you from originally? 
I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago 
So you’re a NASA Scientist?! Tell us more! 
I am an Aerospace Engineer by formal education and have worked in this capacity, managing space projects both at NASA and Department of Defense, for the last 16 years. 
I am currently the Assistant Program Scientist for the International Space Station (ISS) and specifically responsible for developing innovative strategies for communicating the benefits and value of the ISS.  I am also responsible for integrating  all of the  ISS education projects and activities, globally. 
I hold a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and currently working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership which I hope  to complete in Spring 2013. 
What inspired you to literally reach for the stars? 
I always had an innate curiosity about space.  I remember at the age of 7, sitting on the trunk of my dad’s car every night, star gazing and engaging in the wonder of space. 
I was always fascinated by the vastness and the awe-inspiring nature of space.  Little did I know that those moments were shaping the trajectory of my life.  But there was also the supportive environment I grew up in.  My parents always  encouraged me to do what came naturally to me, and what came naturally was building and fixing things – solving problems – finding solutions for complexed problems. 
So my innate curiosity and my nurturing environment laid the foundation for me to pursue and succeed at my dreams.  It was in college while studying aeronautical engineering, the day the tragic accident of the Challenger Space Shuttle,  I decided that NASA was where I wanted to spend my career and pursue the career of being an astronaut. 
Twenty six years later I am at NASA where I have been for 10 years and continuing to live my dreams which are contributing to the advancement of space exploration and making the difference in the lives of all human beings through our exploration  of space. 
Additionally, in 2003 I was selected as finalist for the Astronaut Selection Program being 1 in 100 out of 4000 applicants that were invited to interview for the job of flying in space.  I have not yet given up on that dream. 
You run a charity for young women right? Tell us about that 
Yes my non-profit organization is called the Brightest Stars Foundation and is dedicated to the education and empowerment of young women and girls around the world to be future leaders through the study of science, technology, engineering  and mathematics (STEM). 
Since 2007 when I founded the organization, we have inspired and empowered countless girls and young women to aspire to pursue careers in STEM.  We continue to work to realize our vision of establishing the Space and Science Academy for  Girls in Kenya which will be the first of a global network of specialty high schools that will educate girls in scientific and technological fields. 
My intention with my humanitarian work is to give voice to the voiceless young girls around the world through the gift of a quality, challenging education. 
b stars logo Trinidadian Born, NASA Rocket Scientist   Thats Camille Alleyne!
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? 
Being a woman and a women of color in the field of rocket science and space engineering has been a huge challenge.  Occasionally, I am dismissed solely because of those physical attributes but having a commitment to excellence and a spirit  of determination, perseverance and tenacity are the qualities that have help propel me to the heights I have and continue to achieve. 
Who’s your role model? 
I have several role models starting with my mother, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.  They are all extraordinary human beings who have had a profound love for humanity and a huge commitment to being  of service. 
So what’s next for Camille Alleyne? 
My next goal is to transform the Brightest Stars Foundation into a world-class non-governmental organization that educates the next generation of women scientists, thinkers, innovators, leaders and Nobel Laureates in Science. 
Thank you Camille Alleyne! 

(Article from CaribDirect)

  
-- 

  
  
  

Comments

Unknown said…
i am so proud that she is from my island country trinidad, and reaching for the stars!!!! :)
April 24, 2014 at 5:50 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Barbados Elections 2013 and Cash

-
Image
The Mahogany Coconut Group submits that the real vote buying is in the upper echelons of our society. What we witnessed on Election Day was some voters getting   cash, cell phones, IPods and a bill paid here and there. The real votes were bought by those shadows- black and white, - who Dr. Don Blackman referred to a few decades ago! Of course Dr. Blackman talked only about white shadows but the corporate landscape has dramatically changed over the years – we now have shadows of all colors and ethnicities. While we shout from the roof tops about what took place on elections day, we bury our heads in the proverbial sand, by refusing to ask one simple question: How did the two political parties, both claiming to be rather financially impoverished, raise a conservative estimate of over twenty million dollars to pour into a three week campaign? We ask Dale Marshall (BLP) to tell us about the successful “cake sales and car washes” that raised their money. We ask Ronald Jones (DLP) to t
Read more

Me and V: a personal introduction to gay tolerance

-
Image
One Caribbean Nation. By William Skinner Me and V: a personal introduction to gay tolerance I must have been around nine or ten years old. V was a well-known gay citizen, who lived in my beloved hometown of Britton’s Hill, in the parish of St. Michael, Barbados. My earliest recollection of V was his apparent penchant for dressing in white. I seldom saw him in a long pants, and he walked with an amazing rhythm. Even at that early age, I realized that he was very effeminate. He always seemed busy   out and about in the Brittons Hill area and it was obvious that everybody knew him, and his notoriety was island wide. I also noticed that he was always exceptionally clean. Later, I would learn that he was also known as a popular pudding and souse vendor, who carried on his trade in the vicinity of Nelson Street, in the city. He was well loved and respected in Britton’s Hill; along with that respect came good-natured heckling. One day, around midafternoon, about three of my childhoo
Read more

International Women's Day : Our Caribbean Women, Our Hope

-
Image
One Caribbean Nation As we celebrate International Womens’ Day, we are cognizant of the role our Caribbean women have played in the cultural social and economic growth of our region and evolving Caribbean civilization. They , like our men , have risen from the depths and decadence of slavery , to the highest political and corporate ladders in the region. They have given birth, to millions and have made and continue to make significant contributions to those in the Diaspora. In many cases, where they were not the biological mothers, they nurtured, cared and developed those , who were deprived of parenthood , and socio-economic hope. They are in our classrooms, directing young and fragile minds , how to navigate a world that we in the region , must forever avoid being dragged into conflicts of the so-called super powers. They are pursuing all the opportunities of our tertiary educational institutions, including the University of the West Undies, often in higher numbers than our men. I
Read more