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

Brasstacks Moderators Should Respect all Callers and Views

-
Image
                                                                   Letter from Brooklyn Walter Blackman Tucker Carlson                                                                                Michael Headley    By Michael Headley On a daily basis, I, like many other listeners, enjoy listening to VOB''s Getting Down to Brass tacks.  On any given day the talk show can be entertaining, funny, educational, informative or controversial, as callers voice their differing opinions on various topics.  And most Moderators allow for spirited give-and-take, to enlighten the listening audience.  ...
Read more

Teachers and Politics

-
Image
For some time, the society as a whole has been vehement in blaming our teachers for what many consider as deteriorating educational standards. Mahogany Coconut is of the view that such blame is unfounded and unfair. When we examine our educational system, we conclude that the vast majority of our teachers are competent and extremely professional.  However, we do not subscribe to the view that they are poorly paid.  Taking into consideration our resources, their salaries are comparable if not more attractive than those in many developing countries.  We also suggest that our school plant, at all levels, is vastly superior to what obtains in many of our neighboring island states. Since the mid 70’s, the collective DLP/BLP government, has systematically succeeded in damaging the image of our teachers and the general public has supported the DLP/BLP. As far back as the late 60’s and early 70’s, there have been clashes with prominent educators and our political leaders. T...
Read more

Abolish 11 - Plus

-
One Caribbean Nation. ‘Abolish 11-Plus’: VETERAN EDUCATOR ADAMS SLAMS ‘EXAM INEQUALITY’ By Sheria Brathwaite Former senator and retired principal Alwyn Adams on Friday reignited calls to scrap the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination, commonly known as the 11-Plus, describing it as an outdated relic of educational segregation that stifles the potential of the working class. While delivering the keynote address at Speech Day of St Leonard's Boys' Secondary School where he was once principal, Adams criticised the island's education system, declaring that it was failing the people and urgently needed reform. Repeating a call made two years ago, he argued that the common entrance examination is an antiquated mechanism designed to limit the academic advancement of Barbados' working class and perpetuate educational segregation. He said then that with Barbados having transitioned to a republic, the country ought to get rid of the current educational system which he...
Read more