Will receive internship at NASA this fall
Matthew Harris, will be interning with NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) team at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama this fall. The Mound Bayou native is currently in his junior year at Tennessee State University, Harris is working towards his Computer Science degree with a minor in Mathematics.
“I’ve completed more than five Research/Internship programs at national laboratories like Brookhaven National Lab and Fermilab, and industry internships with Mastercard and Lowe’s, etc.,” said Harris. “In addition, I hold technical certifications in cloud computing, data science, and am pursuing the CompTIA Security+ certification to strengthen my cybersecurity foundation.”
When applying for the internship on the online portal, Harris said he tailored his application to align specifically with the HLS program and their goals. In addition to the interview process, he was tested through projects that showcased his “software and systems engineering experience.” He believes his background in “software development, DevOps, and data systems,” as well as his experience in technical leadership, helped him “stand out” and officially get selected for the opportunity.
Harris shared that he has always been passionate about using innovation to make a difference, whether it be though the usage of technology or other problem solving tactics.
“My journey with NASA began through academic excellence, networking, and persistence,” said Harris. “I’ve always wanted to work at NASA since I was young matriculating through school.”
While working on-site in Huntsville, Harris will be on the “Human Landing System (HLS) Cloud DevOps and Infrastructure team.”
“My role involves optimizing cloud infrastructure and automation pipelines to support mission-critical systems that ensure the spacecraft’s performance, safety, and reliability,” said Harris. “My work ensures that engineers have the tools, data, and reliability they need to test and deploy critical systems safely and efficiently. Essentially, I help maintain the digital backbone that keeps the HLS program efficient, secure, and ready for upcoming Artemis missions.”
The Artemis Campaign is what NASA calls its mission to get humans back on the moon. This step is a building block in the overall mission, which is to pave the way to more “sustainable lunar exploration.”
“The Human Landing System (HLS) Program is a key part of that goal — it’s responsible for developing the spacecraft that will carry astronauts from lunar orbit down to the Moon’s surface and back safely,” said Harris.
Because “this mission will mark humanity’s return to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years,” Harris is proud to be a part of a team that is working to make this project as “inclusive, innovative, and sustainable” as possible.
“It represents not just exploration, but progress — opening doors for new generations, including minorities like myself, to play a role in space exploration,” said Harris.
Harris said he is proud to be working with Leonardo Barreda, one of NASA’s lead engineers and managers on the HLS Program.
“I have the privilege of working with him and my mentor, Anthony Maenza, as part of my internship,” said Harris. “They have been great mentors and supporters as I gain more understanding of something as complex as space exploration.”
Being remembering for contributing to something bigger than himself— something that will be written down into history, is exciting to Harris.
“Knowing that my work is helping lay the foundation for the next era of space exploration is incredibly motivating,” said Harris. “I plan to continue combining my passions for software engineering, cybersecurity, and space systems in the future.”
After college, Harris hopes to find a position that “bridges advanced technology and national security.” He also wants to start a nonprofit foundation that will enable students to find careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.
Harris’s story is one where “preparation meets opportunity.” He has worked extremely hard to get to this point, and now he is getting to live out one of his dreams through this once-in-a-lifetime internship.
“Coming from a small town, it means a lot to show others that where you start doesn’t define how far you can go,” said Harris. “It all depends on how far you can imagine. I’m honored to represent Mound Bayou and Tennessee State University through this journey.”