Nia Asemota
Software Engineer
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). We're a United States federal government agency that is responsible for science and technology related to air and space travel.
I am a Software Engineer within NASA's Earth Science Division. My team specifically focuses on working with satellite data. We created the 'Data In Action' website to share some of our scientists' and engineers' incredible work and research.
I love that our team and project are focused on making both STEM and NASA work more accessible to students, scientists, and everyday people!
Typically my days start with morning check-ins with my manager, technical mentor, and the other engineers on my team. We discuss project goals, new ideas, and any challenges that may have arisen. I am either coding or in other team-wide meetings surrounding our project for the remainder of the day.
Who would've thought that the girl who taught herself how to code a few years ago and got her Computer Science minor two years ago, would now be interning at NASA as a Software Engineer? Growing up, I always envisioned myself studying to become a doctor. However, joining the robotics team in high school introduced me to the world of engineering and I fell in love. During my first year in college, I still had a passion for biology and studied Biomedical Engineering. It wasn't until the end of my second year that I took my first coding class, fell in love, changed my major, and obtained a Computer Science minor. I also found free online courses or projects to work on outside of classes to help my programming skills.
I am really excited to graduate this spring. I will continue using my voice and art to advocate for women and underrepresented communities, especially in STEM! Recently, I've also been very interested in Artificial Intelligence and ways to challenge bias in the field.
I've always had a passion for drawing and I've been creating art ever since I could hold a crayon. Last year, I created and self-published the 'Black Girls CODE the Future' Coloring Book as an ode to inspire girls and young women of color in STEM and to provide them with role models in these fields. I also love playing sports and am the biggest 'plant mom'.
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” ~ Maya Angelou