Smith Turns Mentorship and Internships into Software Engineering Role

For Alabama A&M University alumna Tiarra Smith, the path to space exploration began long before she stepped onto campus. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Smith always knew two things about her future.

“I knew growing up that I wanted to work in space exploration, and I also knew I wanted to attend an HBCU,” said Smith. “Alabama A&M is a well-respected HBCU located in the heart of space exploration, so the choice was very clear.”

Smith graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a minor in business administration. Just three months after completing her final summer internship, she received an offer that fulfilled her longtime dream. On Nov. 7, she accepted a position with 4M Research, supporting NASA through its Huntsville Operations Support Center at Marshall Space Flight Center. She officially began work on Dec. 8 as an independent verification and validation analyst and software engineer.

In her role, Smith supports critical NASA programs by testing and validating software used to maintain the quality and safety of the International Space Station and the Space Launch System. She describes the opportunity as both exciting and meaningful, allowing her to contribute directly to the future of space exploration.

Smith’s journey to Marshall was shaped by persistence and preparation. While her NASA internship did not immediately lead to a job offer, she remained focused during a three-month job search that ultimately paid off. She credits Alabama A&M for equipping her with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

As a student, Smith balanced a full-time job with a full course load, leaving little free time. Still, she found opportunities to grow, including serving as a student assistant in the mathematics department. There, she developed professional and technical skills that helped her secure her current position. She credits Mathematics Associate Professor and Program Coordinator Dr. Yinshu Wu as an influential mentor who provided guidance and encouragement throughout her time at the University.

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Smith gained valuable experience through three internships. In the summer of 2024, she spent 10 weeks at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working as a contract specialist intern with the Air Force Research Laboratory, where she learned the process of developing and awarding government contracts. In January 2025, she began her first NASA internship at Marshall Space Flight Center as a Human Landing Systems intern. During that time, she developed a new method for managing and maintaining thermal requirements, work that continued through summer 2025 and resulted in a successful working prototype.

“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.”

Smith says Alabama A&M’s strong academic environment and support systems played a key role in her success. She received a Heritage Gold Scholarship that helped fund her undergraduate education and benefited from close mentorship within the mathematics department. She credits her professors for helping her grow academically while also encouraging her to push beyond her comfort zone.

Inspired by mathematician Katherine Johnson, Smith sees her career as part of a larger legacy. She plans to continue growing academically and professionally as space exploration evolves, with the long-term goal of becoming 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.”