Career

Martin Hayes

Cryogenics Engineer

Hometown: None (military brat)

Colleges/Degrees

Tuskegee University, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Why did you decide to study math/science/engineering?

Math was always one of my strongest subjects. I chose engineering because since I was young, I considered myself a problem solver. I also chose it as part of a bigger plan.

What inspired you to work for NASA and how did you get hired?

The bigger plan was to become an astronaut. When I first found out that such a thing existed I wanted to be one. After talking to a recruiter who came to Tuskegee University, I managed to get hired as a coop student. Once I graduated, it became a full time job.

Discuss previous positions held and how they led up to your current position.

The job that I have now is actually my first career move coming out of college. Before starting college, I did some work as an intern at a hydraulics engineering firm called Vickers. While in college, I worked as an intern at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines, then as coop at NASA KSC.

What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a career with NASA?

Get solid on your math courses. Be an engineering major in college. Be sure you don’t mind working for the government.