Keiana Samoy’s story begins long before her success at JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Even as a young child, she was fascinated by the natural world. At preschool, she would often come home with rocks and twigs in her pockets, displaying a deep curiosity about the Earth. Her passion for exploration only grew as she asked for her first microscope at the age of seven, eager to understand the world around her.
A First-Generation Student’s Drive
As a first-generation college student, Keiana was motivated by her parents, who had always encouraged her to pursue higher education. Despite facing challenges like impostor syndrome, where she doubted her abilities in STEAHM spaces, Keiana was determined to push past these barriers. She credits her involvement with ARCS for helping her build the confidence she needed to enter and thrive in the STEAHM field.
Networking and Opportunities at ARCS
Keiana joined ARCS as a (soph? jr? sr?)…and that’s when her journey truly took off. She participated in various groundbreaking projects, including managing one for waste management automation, WATT, and leading the finance team for the STEAHM Bubble. It was during this time that she connected with like-minded individuals and professionals, paving the way for her future career. She remembers the impact of meeting people who would later become her colleagues at JPL. These networking opportunities provided the foundation for her smooth transition from intern to full-time JPL employee at JPL, where she worked on major space exploration initiatives.
What’s truly inspiring is that Keiana is a business major, showing that there is a place for students from all disciplines at NASA and JPL. While many people might assume that space exploration requires an engineering or scientific background, Keiana’s story proves that business skills are equally essential in the field. Through her leadership roles, including managing projects like the STEAHM Bubble, she learned how business and management skills are crucial for handling complex, cross-disciplinary missions at institutions like NASA.
Leadership Development at ARCS
Beyond technical achievements, Kiana took on leadership roles through ARCS – she created the first-ever space camp in the robotics section at JPL, impacting over 100 students through educational and networking experiences. She embraced every opportunity, from gaining hands-on research experience to being involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at JPL. Keiana’s responsibilities at ARCS helped her build the confidence and experience that propelled her career forward.
Expanding Outreach and Diversity in STEAHM
Today, Keiana’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and community. She is focused on expanding outreach for underrepresented communities, ensuring that young students from all backgrounds have the chance to dream big and pursue careers in STEAHM. As she looks toward the future, Keiana is pursuing a master’s in data science and continues to push for greater diversity in space exploration.
Keiana’s story reminds us that with passion, support, and a willingness to take a chance, no dream is too big to achieve. Her experience with ARCS played a critical role in shaping her career and fueling her drive to inspire others—proving that no matter your academic background, there’s a place for you at NASA and in STEAHM fields.