A Rocket Scientist at 22, Tiera Guinn Fletcher Is Grateful

Hi Guideposts! My name is Tierra Fletcher, previously known as Tierra Guinn. I’m 22 years old, I graduated form MIT, studying aerospace engineering, and now I’m working for Boeing on NASA’s space launch system as a rocket structural analysis engineer. Right now I’m at the United States Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, at a photo shoot for Guideposts magazine.

I grew up around a very supportive and fanstastic family. As young as six years old, I just loved to innovate and calculate, so I would use Legos, construction blocks, construction paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, whatever I could put my hands on in order to turn my dreams into a reality. At the age of 11, I decided to be an aerospace engineer.

My parents played a key role in cultivating my love of mathematics and science. My mom, an accountant, would just get me to calculate anything and everything, and my dad, a construction worker, would teach me about measurements. My favorite teacher from Lindley Middle School, Alan Newsome—he wasn’t just a normal science teacher. He taught me how to innovate and bring my dreams into an actual project, something that could truly change the world. He taught me about forensics, environmental aspects, even how to have a more healthy lifestyle. He was a great mentor.

After taking a moment to truly believe in myself, I decided to apply to MIT and I got accepted and attended MIT and I majored in aerospace engineering. 

For the girls out there who are looking to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), do it! Don’t be afraid! Don’t let the fact that you are the minority in your field get in the way of pursuing your dreams. Focus. Stay on it, and you’ll get there.

Faith not only supported me throughout my life, but it made me who I am today. It has put me where I am today. I continuously depend on my faith in order to get me through whatever it is I’m going through, whether it’s taking humans to Mars or even getting up out of bed. Without my faith, I have no idea where I would be, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be a rocket scientist. 

A key support in my life is my wonderful husband, Myron Fletcher. He’s a rocket propulsion test engineer and he’s an amazing man of God, and I truly appreciate having him in my life. 

Follow me and my husband, watch our faith walk and even learn more about relationships and your walk with God at Rocket with the Fletchers Facebook page. 

NASA’s space launch system is the most powerful rocket ever created in history and it will be our journey to Mars. Being a part of a world-changing program like that is truly an honor because I am a part of history.