STEM is for Everyone: Advice from NASA’s Center Leaders (Including Vanessa Wyche!)
Every historic accomplishment at NASA — from landing the first man on the Moon to deploying a rover to search for microbial life on Mars — has required the merging of minds from different backgrounds and varying perspectives in order to succeed. As the agency sets it sights on Mars and the Artemis missions ahead, NASA needs students of all backgrounds to know that there is a place for them — and a need for them — in space and atmospheric flight exploration, and in the fields of STEM.
Pioneering leaders in their fields have advice for students who may be navigating similar paths to an exciting future in science, technology, engineering and math. Clayton Turner, the first Black director of NASA’s Langley Research Center, and Vanessa Wyche, deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, both NASA engineers, respond to questions about their own STEM journeys and lessons learned along the way.
1. Why do you think diversity is important for NASA to achieve success?
Clayton Turner
Diversity is a hallmark of NASA — after all, we wouldn’t be the agency we are without it. People bringing different perspectives and skills together for the betterment of humankind is essential to our success. NASA’s goals are so ambitious we need more people than ever working on our missions — from understanding climate change to enabling flying cars to sending the first woman and next man to the Moon and on to Mars. At Langley, and across NASA, we foster a culture of diversity and inclusion so our people can contribute with fullness and confidence.
Vanessa Wyche
NASA is an agency that solves hard challenges, and I believe that diversity, inclusion, and innovation are tied together and allow for us to bring about the best solutions. It has been proven that diverse teams are more innovative. So, in order for our agency to continue to be successful, it is important that we foster diversity by ensuring we have an environment where our workforce feels included and encouraged to bring forward their ideas.
2. What obstacles did you have to overcome to be where you are today? Did anyone inspire you or help you get to where you are?
Clayton Turner
I have served NASA for three decades after working in the private sector, so I’ve had my fair share of obstacles. Being an engineer by trade, I’ve learned that you’ve got to be comfortable with discomfort — whether it’s a bad design, a change of plans, or personnel moves beyond your control. My encouragement comes from many places — notably my family, colleagues, and mentors I’ve had along the way, and each has given me energy and drive to excel through every achievement and not stay disappointed for too long. Through firsthand experience, I have learned how important it is to have a team that supports you through the ups and downs of life.
Vanessa Wyche
The biggest challenge, especially early in my career, was overcoming preconceived notions by others based on either gender or race bias. When I first began at NASA, there were many times when I was the only female and/or African American on a team. I would let my work speak for me. As I built a reputation of being competent, a team player, and demonstrating leadership, those notions were dispelled.
I have been blessed to have many mentors throughout my life and career. My first mentors were in my home. My father, mother, and older siblings (I’m the youngest of five) all taught me various things that helped me to succeed. My father and brother impressed on me that I could do everything the boys could do. I am very thankful for the confidence they gave me. This confidence has been the foundation that I draw on in my career.
3. What preparation or advice would you give to young students under-represented in STEM who are trying to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and/ or math? Is there something you wish you had known at their age?
Clayton Turner
Don’t confuse hard and impossible. Hard does not mean impossible — hard means there is work to do. Embrace the idea that the homework, quizzes, and tests are not punishment, but your teachers contributing to your ability to make choices in life about your life. I frequently speak to students of all ages to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers as a choice. Find whatever it is that excites you and strive to excel in that area. Work to create options for the future, because you never know the opportunities that will be put before you. Be ready.
Find your passion and follow it! But know you don’t have to do it alone. Being the first Black director to lead NASA’s oldest field center, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Embrace the parents, teachers, and mentors who are there to support, encourage, and inspire you.
Vanessa Wyche
If you are a young person interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, find areas within your school to participate in STEM classes and find extracurricular activities in STEM. If your interest is in science, join a science club and be part of science competitions, like science fairs. If your interest is in robotics and technology, look into clubs in that area. Further, I would advise you to meet with a person that works in your field of interest. Ask that person to be a mentor and go to work with them for a day.
Most importantly, if being a STEM professional is your passion, go for it and don’t let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dream. When I was a younger student, I did not have access to many of the suggestions I mentioned, but I did have the encouragement of my family and community to dream big and to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they came.
Learn more about engaging with NASA at: https://www.nasa.gov/stem
Learn more about internship opportunities, visit: https://intern.nasa.gov
