News 2022: Astronaut Scott Tingle '87 returns to campus

Mechanical engineering alumnus shares how a STEM education prepared him for a career with NASA

Mechanical engineering alum and NASA astronaut Scott Tingle '87, Captain, U.S. Navy (retired), returned to campus yesterday, Oct. 27, to speak to a classroom of 116 seniors in the College of Engineering.

Tingle, now deputy director of NASA's Johnson Space Center Flight Operations Directorate, presented a video recapping his mission to the international space station, shared how his education in STEM prepared him for a career with NASA, where he's worked since 2009, and offered advice on a variety of topics. Tingle then answered questions from students about working for NASA, attending graduate school, his favorite classes, reusable rockets, and more.

"Thank you, UMassD, for a lifetime of inspiration. It all started here," Tingle said in the very room he attended his first class in. "Every time I asked for help here, I got it. From faculty, other students, and anyone I asked. That's one of the best things about this university."

"Thank you, UMassD, for a lifetime of inspiration. It all started here. Every time I asked for help here, I got it. From faculty, other students, and anyone I asked. That's one of the best things about this university."

Tingle has previously spoken to campus in the fall 2018 following his 168-day mission aboard the International Space Station, and for a virtual "Corsair Chat" in the summer of 2020. While in town, Tingle offered to share his experiences with College of Engineering seniors.

"Scott has had a remarkable career. It was so valuable for our students to learn that the combination of hard work, persistence, and a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals opens doors to many opportunities to make an impact on society," said Jean VanderGheynst, Dean of the College of Engineering.

UMassD students interested in changing or declaring a major, minor, or concentration can visit the Registrar's Student Forms page, and click the undergraduate major/minor/concentration form. For more information on STEM programs, centers, opportunities, and more, visit UMassD.edu/STEM.