Theromiles Flowers is an aerospace engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and has worked at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for 28 years.
What is your job and how do you support the NASA mission?
My job as an aerospace engineer in the Structural Design, Development, and Analysis Branch for the Spacecraft and Vehicles Systems Department includes serving as a designer and center export representative (CER). As a CER, my duties are to review and sign off on all export documents from civil servants and contractors. I also support the Space Launch System. Currently, I’m working on Payload Adapter and Secondary Payload Assembly projects by revising and updating single and assembly parts’ components, detail drawings, engineering change orders, and engineering part lists to prepare for center release.
Who or what inspired you to choose your career and why?
While pursuing a degree in drafting and design technology at Joseph F. Drake State Technical College, one of my instructors encouraged me to apply for a CO-OP at Marshall. I was accepted into the program and hired full time afterwards. After several years, I was inspired by God to obtain my bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M in order to advance in my career.
What do you find most rewarding about being an engineer with NASA?
I come from a small town in Central Alabama and the youngest in a large family of 12. It’s very rewarding being the only sibling working directly for NASA and sharing some my experiences with them. Also, I enjoy the many projects and opportunities to work with a diverse group of team members.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
I really don’t have challenges with my job, and if I do, I work through them by the grace of God.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I serve as an ordained and licensed associate minister at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, where I support the monthly food distribution to the community and other church ministries. Each year, I participate in the Youth Motivation Task Force Program at Alabama A&M University. I’m also an active member with Alabama A&M University Alumni, Huntsville Bible College Alumni, Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship, and Huntsville/Madison County Public Safety Chaplaincy. For the past 26 years, I’ve been officiating high school and women’s college basketball.
You graduated from an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Why was this important to you and what was most meaningful about your experience?
Attending an HBCU was important because I have several family members who attended HBCUs. I wanted to continue that family tradition. What was most meaningful was learning about the rich history of Alabama A&M. Rev. Dr. William Hooper Councill, founder and first president of the university, was sold into slavery in Huntsville. Years later in 1875, after his freedom, he purchased the same site he was enslaved on to establish a place of higher learning for African Americans now known as Alabama A&M University.
Do you think diversity and inclusion are important for NASA to achieve success?
Yes, because NASA should be a place of equal opportunity for employment, regardless of the employee’s school, race, color, or gender.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Who has inspired you the most in Black history and why?
My parents, and so many others, because I can see a little further due to the shoulders of giants I stand on. They paved the way for me, and others, through their sacrifices. Many lives were lost during the Civil Rights Movement, and even still today, for justices and equality for all.
What advice would you give young people who might be interested in pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)?
Pursue your dreams to become the very best. Don’t settle for anything less than what you set out to achieve in life, education, and career.