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Offline FireBrand

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Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« on: April 05, 2012, 09:28:37 AM »
Trinidadian Born, NASA Rocket Scientist – That’s Camille Alleyne!
CaribbeanDirect.com





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.



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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/iPekDRPIt_U&amp;feature=player_embedded#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/iPekDRPIt_U&amp;feature=player_embedded#!</a>
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Offline Bakes

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2012, 09:40:48 AM »
Very nice... good post!  :beermug:

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2012, 01:15:19 PM »
The TTFF could use a rocket scientist.

Offline pecan

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2012, 01:55:45 PM »
Nice role model for the yutes to emulate.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Offline capodetutticapi

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2012, 03:37:44 PM »
she married or lookin fuh husband.....i could b ah stay at home trophy husband to she.
soon ah go b ah lean mean bulling machine.

Offline Deeks

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2012, 04:30:27 PM »
Boss Lady!!!!!!! Next time somebody makes a staement like, "you don't have to be a rocket scientist, blah, blah, blah ..... " I will certainly think about her"

Offline morvant

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2012, 04:42:48 AM »
soo sexy
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"

Offline kaliman2006

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2012, 08:11:03 PM »
Thank you for posting Firebrand. Ms. Alleyne is quite an accomplished young woman and I am sure her family is very proud of her.

Good to see her representing with the trini accent, although it is diluted somewhat; understandably of course.

Offline Football supporter

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Re: Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2012, 08:39:54 PM »
A superb role model. It would be nice to know more of her background such as where in T&T she came from.

I would also love to know if she has tried to use her Foundation to assist Trini girls. I find myself hoping that she has but thinking maybe she hasn't. It's so important for successful Trinis to encourage young people back home to follow their examples (not necessarily to leave T&T, but to appreciate that even the sky is not the limit) 

 

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