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Troy Womack-Henderson

665

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Finalist

Bio

I am a rising sophomore studying Computer Science at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. I am interested in autonomous engineering, aerospace systems, AI/ML, and geology/planetary sciences. I am also a Software Engineer Intern at Northrop Grumman for this Summer of 2021. I am very collaborative and like to work in teams, exceptionally curious, persistent, and I am always eager for knowledge. I have a goal to help research, design, and manage complex ideas and projects to aid in humanity’s knowledge of the universe and discover further capabilities of technology. I hope to inspire the younger generation to develop an interest in the sciences and to always be curious about the unknown.

Education

Loyola Marymount University

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Aviation & Aerospace

    • Dream career goals:

      Space Systems Engineer

    • First-Year & Transfer Student Recruiter

      Loyola Marymount University
      2020 – Present4 years
    • CSSI - Computer Science Summer Institute Participant

      Google
      2020 – 2020
    • Web Developer

      Loyola Marymount University, Academic Resource Center
      2020 – Present4 years
    • L'Space Mission Concept Academy Scholar/Project Scientist

      NASA - National Aeronautics Space Administration
      2021 – Present3 years

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Philanthropy

    Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship
    I am currently a freshman Computer Science major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, I was very involved with my community, as I taught young, underrepresented girls the foundations of technology and engineering and how to apply those skills to issues occurring in our society. My membership at the National Center of Women in Information Technology is also a significant part of my academic background. I was the 2018 Las Vegas Regional Affiliate Award Winner for Aspirations in Computing and the 2020 Las Vegas Regional and National Award Winner for Aspirations in Computing. This organization has provided me mentorship and professional opportunities and has contributed significantly to my academic and career aspirations. My interests in STEM began at a young age when I was homeschooled from grades 1st-8th. This unique opportunity allowed me to explore all academic subjects from a different perspective and a personalized learning path. This intellectual freedom set me on a path to unpack the theory behind disciplines like life/physical sciences and engineering and learn its real-world applications that can develop society and our future in the universe. I decided to study Computer Science because I always loved to know how things like computers, cars, TVs, rollercoasters, and rockets operated. I soon discovered it was because of programming, humans are able to tell technology how to work, and I believe Computer Science is the method of communication between our world and the world of technology. A computer science degree is very interdisciplinary, as I will be able to apply programming and an understanding of computer operations to a career working and conducting research in any STEM industry. Computers are essential to the development and operations of our world today, and as an engineer, I hope to be able to contribute to the goal of advancing our society with the power of technology. During my undergraduate studies, I wish to continue research in the field of machine learning and its applications in spacecraft operations, combining my passion for computing and aerospace. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I wish to go onto graduate school and pursue my master’s or Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and potentially do research on the applications of machine learning in robotics or remote sensing, and on training for my private pilot certification. My academic plan for higher education will grow my understanding of computational applications to aerospace research and environmental conservation. In my career, I'd like to either continue my graduate research on AI/ML applications to environmental conservation and remote sensing by becoming a Space Systems Engineer and a Mission Specialist Astronaut. I would like to work on the development of NASA programs like Artemis, Gateway, and future deep-space missions with a concentration on environmental research in space. It has always been my dream to be an astronaut, and I plan to make this dream a reality by continuing to work hard and become inspired. I see myself being a member of Artemis missions and conducting research in space on the sustainability of human life in deep space travel and on other planets. Another thing in life that truly excites me is traveling and exploring the world. There is something about packing my bags and setting my sights on a new place to explore. I love learning about and being immersed in other cultures and environments. Something I plan to start soon is to visit every national park in America, visit every continent, seven-wonders of the world, and each of the seven summits. I have set these extreme goals for myself because aside from my career aspirations, I want to prioritize global immersion, service, and adventure in my life. While abroad, I plan on giving back to the global community by educating others on the power of technology and its applications that help make life easier and general social justice work. I would like to directly address issues regarding sexual assault, racial injustice, gender inequality in places like Sub-Saharan Africa and the middle east. I feel like what makes life the most meaningful is not self-contentment but sharing your blessings with others, with the goal to help make the world a better place for everyone.
    Black Students in STEM Scholarship
    I am a freshman Computer Science major with a focus in Aerospace Engineering at Loyola Marymount University. On-campus I’m involved with several clubs and organizations like the Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, and Loyola Marymount Aerospace Research Society. Due to remote learning, I am currently in my hometown of Las Vegas, NV. In May of 2020, I graduated as valedictorian of the graduating class of 2020 at my high school. I took many advanced STEM courses during high school that grew my interest in the various subfields within STEM and its applications. I was also very involved with my community, as I taught young underrepresented girls the foundations of technology and engineering and how to apply those skills to issues occurring in our society. My membership at the National Center of Women in Information Technology is also a significant part of my academic background. I was the 2018 Las Vegas Regional Affiliate Award Winner for Aspirations in Computing and the 2020 Las Vegas Regional and National Award Winner for Aspirations in Computing. This organization has provided me mentorship and professional opportunities and has contributed significantly to my academic and career aspirations. Lastly, this past summer, I participated in the Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI). Where I learned the foundations of Computer Science and how to make games and web applications from Google Engineers. My interests in STEM began at a young age when I was homeschooled from grades 1st-8th. This unique opportunity allowed me to explore all academic subjects from a different perspective and a personalized learning path. This intellectual freedom set me on a path to unpack the theory behind disciplines like life/physical sciences and engineering and learn its real-world applications that can develop society and our future in the universe; and this led me to where I am today, studying Computer Science at university and activity conducting research as a freshman on assistive technologies and engineering mechanisms to design accommodations for people with hand tremors, so they use touch devices more efficiently. I decided to study Computer Science because I always loved to know how things like computers, cars, TVs, rollercoasters, and rockets operated. I soon discovered it was because of programming, humans are able to tell technology how to work, and I believe Computer Science is the method of communication between our world and the world of technology. A computer science degree is very interdisciplinary, as I will be able to apply programming and an understanding of computer operations to a career working and conducting research in any STEM industry. Computers are essential to the development and operations of our world today, and as an engineer, I hope to be able to contribute to the goal of advancing our society with the power of technology. During my undergraduate studies, I wish to continue research in the field of machine learning and its applications in spacecraft operations, combining my passion for computing and aerospace. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I wish to go onto graduate school and pursue my master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or Robotics and do extensive research on the study of computational mechanics and controls, or machine learning in spacecraft operations, and on training for my private pilot certification. My academic plan for higher education will grow my understanding of computing and its applications to aerospace research and industry applications. With my STEM degrees, I plan on being a Space Systems Engineer and a Mission Specialist Astronaut. I would like to work on the development of NASA programs like Artemis, Gateway, and future deep space missions. I would also like to apply my graduate research of machine learning on spacecraft/rocket design and operations into my career working in aerospace and space technology innovation. It has always been my dream to be an astronaut, and I plan to make this dream a reality by satisfying all the astronaut requirements throughout my career. I see myself being a member of Artemis missions and conducting research in space on the sustainability of human life in deep space travel and on other planets,