Tiarra Smith, a graduate of Alabama A&M University, has started her career with 4M Research at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Smith, who is from Montgomery, Alabama, said her goals were clear early on: “I knew growing up that I wanted to work in space exploration, and I also knew I wanted to attend an HBCU,” she said. “Alabama A&M is a well-respected HBCU located in the heart of space exploration, so the choice was very clear.”
Smith completed her Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a minor in business administration in May 2025. After finishing her final summer internship, she accepted an offer from 4M Research on November 7 to support NASA operations at the Huntsville Operations Support Center. She began working as an independent verification and validation analyst and software engineer on December 8.
In this position, Smith tests and validates software for key NASA programs related to the International Space Station and the Space Launch System. She described the opportunity as both exciting and meaningful because it allows her to directly contribute to space exploration efforts.
Her journey included persistence during a three-month job search after graduation. Although her NASA internship did not immediately lead to employment, Smith credited Alabama A&M University for preparing her with necessary skills and confidence.
While studying at Alabama A&M, Smith managed a full-time job alongside her coursework and served as a student assistant in the mathematics department. She cited Mathematics Associate Professor and Program Coordinator Dr. Yinshu Wu as an important mentor who provided guidance throughout her university years.
Smith gained additional experience through three internships. In summer 2024, she worked as a contract specialist intern at Kirtland Air Force Base with the Air Force Research Laboratory, learning about government contracting processes. In January 2025, she started her first NASA internship at Marshall Space Flight Center as a Human Landing Systems intern where she developed a method for managing thermal requirements—a project that led to a working prototype by summer 2025.
“Even though I didn’t have much free time, every experience helped prepare me for this moment,” Smith said. “The skills I gained at Alabama A&M and through my internships directly contributed to me receiving this offer.”
She also acknowledged Alabama A&M’s academic environment and support systems for playing an important role in her achievements. Smith received a Heritage Gold Scholarship which supported her undergraduate studies and benefited from mentorship within the mathematics department.
Inspired by mathematician Katherine Johnson, Smith aims to continue advancing academically and professionally within space exploration fields. Her long-term goal is to become a program manager at NASA supporting Mars missions.
“I’ve been blessed to achieve not only my academic goals but also my career goals, and I want to make sure those doors stay open for the generations that come after me.”
