LaTasha T. Starr’s innovative academic and professional approach to Engineering and Science provided her unique research opportunities with NASA Ames, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), The Boeing Company and the Centro de Astrobiología (SPAIN), all before beginning her career as a Systems Engineer for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC. As a Software Systems Engineer on the GOES-R/SUVI program, she was responsible for the design, fabrication, testing and validation of solar telescopes used to monitor the sun’s activity. During her time as Risk Manager on the GMD proposal effort, she refined her risk and opportunity assessment skills and confirmed her ability to lead in challenging situations.
Upon completing ELDP, she accepted the role of Vehicle Integration Systems Engineer and Systems Lead for Structures and Mechanisms on the P734 program. She then took a lead role on the Targets and Countermeasures program as the MBRV-8 point of contact. Recently, LaTasha was named an Associate Technical Fellow by Lockheed Martin and selected as a Fulbright Specialist, as well as Fulbright Scholar, by the US Department of State for her dedication to shaping the next generation of technical leaders, influencing customers, and continued innovation.
LaTasha graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from Tennessee State University. At the University of Washington (Seattle), LaTasha earned her first Engineering Master’s degree followed by a second Master’s in Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 2020.
Mrs. Starr is the Executive Director of ESTe2M Dreamers, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the academic success rate of local youth by providing opportunities for STEM-focused summer camps, tutoring and after-school programs. Her passion for STEM education is evident through her professorship at Dallas College, San Juan College and Texas A&M University, where she not only teaches Engineering, but also paves the way for student internship collaborations.