Inside Our Space Careers Chat with NASA, Lockheed Martin, and GM: Why There’s Room for Everyone in Space

When Alabama high school student Charlee imagined a career in space, she thought of astronauts: the suits, the launches, the stars. But when she discovered opportunities beyond the cockpit, she realized that space exploration depends on engineers, microbiologists, designers, and dreamers of every kind.

Charlee, a STEM Next Flight Crew member and aspiring space medicine researcher, brought that curiosity to the virtual stage as the moderator of Beyond Astronauts: A STEM Next Guide to Space Careers, a special World Space Week event presented by STEM Next in partnership with NASA, Lockheed Martin, and General Motors.

From small-town beginnings to world-changing missions, three space professionals joined Charlee to prove that space is not one-size-fits-all. Their message was clear: there’s room for everyone in the space industry, and the paths that lead there are as diverse as the universe itself.

‘You don’t have to be a rocket scientist’

Each panelist traced a unique journey that defied stereotypes.

Whitley Poyser, who now directs Lockheed Martin’s Deep Space Exploration missions, grew up in rural Texas and began her career studying logistics and mathematics. Today, she leads teams building systems that will carry humans deeper into the solar system than ever before. “To sustain a presence in space,” she explained, “it takes everything. Power, infrastructure, water, health, and movement. Every discipline matters.”

Dr. Sarah Wallace, a NASA microbiologist at Johnson Space Center, also came from a small town named Goddard, Kansas, and once believed NASA only hired rocket scientists. Now she oversees microbiology for astronaut health and planetary protection, including the first DNA sequencer on the International Space Station. Her team’s work ensures that astronauts and their spacecraft stay safe from harmful microbes. “I didn’t know NASA had a microbiology lab,” she laughed. “But that’s the beauty of science, there’s always more to learn.”

For Matt Nassoiy, a program engineering manager at General Motors, designing vehicles for astronauts is a dream built from everyday experiences. “I grew up fixing cars with my dad,” he said. “Now, we’re building the next super truck for the moon.” His team is one of three competing to design NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle for the upcoming Artemis missions. “You never know when your childhood curiosity might lead to something out of this world.”

Lessons from space — and for life on Earth

When asked about challenges, all three panelists shared the same advice: embrace uncertainty and learn to communicate across disciplines. “You won’t always know the answer,” Whitley said. “But not making a decision is still a decision.” 

Sarah added that teamwork and clear communication matter just as much as technical skill. “You might be saying the same thing as someone else, but in a totally different language. Learning how to connect is key,” she said.

The discussion also highlighted the roles of creativity and collaboration. Matt described how engineering and art intersect, explaining, “You can make a vehicle functional, but you can also make it beautiful. Design is where engineering meets imagination.”

Building the next generation of explorers

Audience questions ranged from college major selection to the importance of internships and how to stay motivated. Whitley encouraged students to “start where you are” through high school or college internships, or simply by finding mentors who believe in them. She advised students to explore widely, reminding them to “take the class with the lab. You won’t know what you love until you try it.”

And when asked how teens can start preparing now, her advice was simple. “Be curious. Stay passionate. Keep your connections. Every opportunity you take, and every person you meet, could be the bridge to your next adventure.”

As Charlee closed the event, she reflected on how her own journey began on a small farm in Alabama and led her to hosting a national conversation with NASA. “STEM is for everyone,” she said. “No matter where you come from, you can create your own launchpad.”

What’s Next? Win a trip to Space Camp!

High schoolers have an exciting opportunity to explore their space curiosity this fall: Whitley announced Lockheed Martin’s Mission: Mars STEM Challenge, a call for innovative solutions that may help future astronauts living and working on Mars. A winning student team and educator will win a trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama! Submissions are due December 1.

STEM Next extends a special thank you to our partners NASA, Lockheed Martin and General Motors for their support of this conversation and for investing in the next generation of STEM leaders.