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We Are NASA: Reese Patillo, Junior Animator/Graphic Designer (Contractor)

We Are NASA: Reese Patillo, Junior Animator/Graphic Designer (Contractor)
To celebrate Black History Month in February, we spotlighted members of the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) team! Read more:

What makes your job at NASA exciting or unique?

I get to use my skills to communicate some of the most innovative ideas through graphic design and animation. It’s really exciting to be able to work with diverse professionals — from engineers to STEM coordinators — to translate their visions into visuals. Plus, it’s NASA! It’s one of the coolest places on Earth to work.

How does your job contribute to the Artemis missions and beyond?

I get the chance to collaborate with professionals that directly have their hands in the Artemis missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The graphics and animations that I create help to communicate the present and future ideas and values of the Artemis program. A lot of them also contribute to informing the public about these missions as well.

What was your inspiration growing up?

My inspiration was my parents. They always encouraged my siblings and I to follow our dreams, work in our passions, and to never lose sight of ourselves. They advocated for us to push ourselves to reach our fullest potential and to always stay humble in everything that we do.

What’s your favorite thing about working for NASA?

Honestly, it’s the social impact that my work has. Whether it’s the visuals that I create for on-center requests or for social engagement and public outreach, my work is being seen by thousands if not millions of people… which can be a little nerve-racking. However, I am working towards something larger than myself and hopefully influencing others to follow their creative/scientific dreams.

› We Are NASA SCaN Image Gallery