Station Nation: Meet Aracellie Torres — Supporting the Business Side of Science

There’s space for everyone at NASA. From the STEM side of the house, such as engineers and scientists, to other professions, including everything from accountants, graphic designers, photography and, in Torres’ case — business. Meet Aracellie Torres, a business manager supporting the International Space Station (ISS) Program’s Research Integration Office.

Torres shares her path to NASA and how she realized an engineering major wasn’t required to work for the agency along the way. 

What ISS office do you support (e.g., Vehicle, External Integration, etc.)?
The ISS Research Integration Office.

What is your job title?
Business Manager.

Describe what your position entails:
I am the business manager for the ISS Program’s Research Integration Office. Our office is responsible for integrating all the research done on the International Space Station. In my role, I partner with leadership, team members, and external stakeholders to strategize priorities for our budget while considering technical sponsor research requirements. I create harmony with the procurement and financial resources while ensuring contracts are in place with appropriate funding levels for all of our commercial service providers. 

How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be as familiar with NASA as employees who are reading this?
My office integrates and facilitates all research done on the space station. The International Space Station is a one-of-a-kind laboratory for international research in microgravity, and I have the privilege of serving as the office’s business expert, where I facilitate procurement strategies, manage workforce, ensure funding is available, develop and maintain relationships with our commercial partners, and advocate priorities for our office.  

How long have you been working for the agency?
I have been with NASA for 16 years!

What was your path to NASA?
Being a first-generation college student, I didn't have a clear path of where I wanted to go to school or where I wanted to work. In high school, I started at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a Universities Space Research Association, or USRA, co-op, which really inspired me and my interest in working at NASA.

Upon graduation, I was offered a position within Johnson’s Center Operations Directorate as a project lead in the Logistics Division. To further develop my skillset, I transferred to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. In 2019, I accepted a position in the ISS Program’s Research Integration Office as a commercial portfolio manager and recently was named the business manager.   

Is there a space figure you look up to? Someone in the space, aerospace, or science industry who has motivated you or inspired you to work for the space program? Or is there someone you discovered while working for NASA who inspires you (e.g, an astronaut, astronomer, flight director, fighter pilot, space communicator, etc.)?
NASA is filled with many inspiring people, and everyone has a story! My first mentor as a high school student inspired me to consider the NASA co-op program, and this helped me identify a path for college. Over the years, I have formed many mentor relationships that continue to inspire me, contribute to my professional development, and support my career aspirations. 

Torres and her family at a Nationals baseball game (at left) and an Astros game (at right). The family has a goal of attending a baseball game at every U.S. stadium. Image courtesy of Aracellie Torres

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you? How does it guide you in your work at NASA?
While being a minority and a female in the workforce is part of my identity, I do not let it define what people think of me. In my work, I let who I am shine in what I do so that I can break perceived barriers and make the future of NASA more diverse and inclusive. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all things that we, as individuals, have to be cognizant of in every environment — not only the workplace. 

Do you have any advice for others, like yourself, who may be contemplating a career at NASA?

What is your favorite NASA memory?
I love traveling with my peers; this is the time when deeper relationships are made with those you work with daily. My favorite memories are from karaoke night at the ISS Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC). 

What is the most meaningful project you've worked on during your time with NASA?
Planning ISSRDC is one of the most meaningful projects I have worked on. When conference week comes, seeing everything and everyone come together and all of the networking makes a real impact on how much NASA is doing.

Torres and her family prepare for a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Image courtesy of Aracellie Torres

What do you love sharing about station to general audiences (in regard to getting the general public to understand its role and how it benefits life on Earth)?
I like sharing Spot the Station, as this makes it tangible to the public, and I love being able to share how the space station is a lab where research is done without gravity to help researchers see things in new ways.

What are your hobbies/things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work you will catch me with my family. I love making memories and seeing things through my kids’ eyes, and we love baseball (particularly our Houston Astros!). I enjoy beach vacations and spa days. I love serving in our church and community. When I'm alone, I enjoy baking and decorating cakes. 

Day launch or night launch (watching)?
Both — launches are thrilling and give me all the feelings. 

Favorite Space Movie?
My favorite space movie is “Apollo 13.” I love seeing Clear Lake and Johnson in a movie … I work and live there!

NASA worm or “meatball” logo?

Every day, we are conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore farther into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It’s a curated hub of International Space Station research and digital media from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and other centers and space agencies.

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