Trent Griffin is an electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Alabama A&M University who has worked at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for 35 years.
What is your job and how do you support the NASA mission?
As an EEE parts engineers for the EEE Parts Engineering and Analysis Team in the Space Systems Division, I provide EEE parts management in the form of developing programmatic requirements, parts selection assistance, screening, design support, and failure analysis of EEE parts used for space flight and ground support equipment. Effectively providing this service helps to drive advances in science, innovation, economic vitality, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
Who or what inspired you to choose your career and why?
My father was probably my biggest influence on choosing my career. When I was a child, he took me to see a Saturn rocket launch in Florida. You have to understand the impact of seeing something that powerful launch at a young age. When I saw that first rocket launch, I knew immediately I wanted to be an astronaut or something that had anything to do with that rocket.
As I got older, I realized my size might not let me fit into a rocket, and that my imperfect eyesight might hinder me from being a pilot, but I could help make that rocket work. So, that’s why I chose my STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career.
What do you love about being an engineer with NASA?
What I love about being an engineer with NASA is being part of a team that is truly and faithfully working to advance the technology of life on Earth, having meaningful work that adds something to the quality of our future, and doing something that is positive and helpful.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Probably the most challenging thing about my job is understanding the technical intricacies that are involved with components for use in spacecraft applications. You have to understand not only the components and how they work, but the materials of which they are constructed, the application they’re used in, the environments the components will see, and the stresses to which they will be exposed. This is all to ensure our astronauts are safe and the mission is accomplished successfully.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I support community outreach for NASA as a part of the Marshall Speakers Bureau and in the form of a program I created called “Simple Science” aimed at creating interest in STEM education for the youth by performing and relating science experiments with items found in every home. I enjoy performing poetry, being a mentor, motivational speaker, and in service to others. I’m also involved with several organizations that help misguided youth, including outreach efforts to build and donate bikes to kids.
You graduated from an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Why was this important to you and what was most meaningful about your experience?
It was important to me in many ways, but most of all, because it became an extension of my family. At the time I went to college, my father had just passed away and many of the people that assisted me at the HBCU became surrogate parents, mentors, as well as concerned, caring citizens of my community. I think the personal touch afforded at an HBCU for minority students really helps to give a great foundation for those who wish to achieve a higher degree.
Many times, it is easy for a minority student to get lost in the system of a university where they are just a number. The HBCU experience really makes you feel like you are a person rather than a number. It gives you more desire to be accomplished. Also, there are experiences at an HBCU you can get no other place in the world.
Do you think diversity and inclusion are important for NASA to achieve success?
I think diversity and inclusion are extremely important for NASA to achieve success because only when you have a well-rounded environment of thought do you truly achieve goals at the highest level. Everybody brings something different to the table.
To use a food analogy, it’s like having Thanksgiving dinner. You don’t want just a turkey. You want dressing, maybe some ham, green beans, cranberry sauce, and potatoes au gratin. You might also want corn bread, rolls, or maybe both. Don’t even think about forgetting those coma-inducing desserts. You want everything so that it is truly a feast! Diversity and inclusion are like that, a feast of ideas, information, and skills.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Who has inspired you the most in Black history and why?
This is going to be a different answer from me because I like multiple perspectives. So, I’m going to say: “Malcolm Luther King.” I say it this way because I think Malcolm X offered a perspective different than Martin Luther King but to achieve the same goal. I think I like the best parts of each as a combination to achieve that goal.
I like Martin’s eloquence, his patience, devout adherence to his method to achieve his goal, his courage, and wisdom. I like Malcolm’s strength, his vision, unyielding persistence, head strong nature, revelation, growth, and his alternative voice that was able to reach the minds of those who would not accept the message of Martin Luther King. Together they brought us collectively to the same place, same understanding, and same goal, regardless of the path to get there.
What advice would you give young people who might be interested in pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)?
Our society is geared towards technological advances, and our future will be dependent on how well we adapt to the societal changes. I think it’s important that we are in on the ground floor of things, like renewable energy, electrification, and autonomous advances in transportation, Earth conservation, space exploration, computer sciences, and all things future. Stay focused on your education. Research your career options, choosing what is best suited to your intellect and what will ensure your success in the future.