Gabrielle Mayans, FAMU-FSU Engineering and Florida State University alumna in mechanical engineering at Kennedy Space Center in front of the mobile launcher on launch pad 39 B. (Courtesy Mayans)
Joint college mechanical engineering graduate Gabrielle Mayans built a successful aerospace engineering career at NASA, specializing in cryogenic systems for Artemis missions
In an era where aerospace engineering careers are rapidly evolving and NASA continues to lead revolutionary space exploration missions, Gabrielle Mayans is a compelling example of how mechanical engineering graduates can forge transformative paths in cutting-edge aerospace technology. Her journey from a first-generation college graduate to a cryogenics software engineer at NASA Kennedy Space Center illustrates the dynamic opportunities available to today’s engineering professionals.
From Childhood Curiosity to Engineering Excellence
Mayans’ trajectory began with the foundational curiosity that drives many successful engineers. “I was always the kid asking questions,” Mayans said, “how does a car move forward? How can a plane fly?” This innate inquisitiveness and a family history rooted in resilience and determination would prove instrumental in shaping her professional aspirations.
Her grandfather’s escape from Communist Cuba at age 17, seeking opportunity in Miami, instilled in Mayans a profound sense of purpose and the determination to reach for the stars—literally and metaphorically. As a first-generation college graduate, she understood that her educational journey would require exceptional dedication and strategic planning.
Educational Foundation at the Joint College
The pivotal moment in Mayans’ academic development occurred when her high school physics teacher, an electrical engineer, introduced her to the engineering profession. This exposure sparked a lasting passion that would define her future career trajectory. When selecting her undergraduate institution, Mayans’ high school advisor encouraged her to consider Florida State University, where she would pursue mechanical engineering.
“I picked mechanical engineering because it’s the broadest field,” she explains. “My decision to pursue engineering helped me find my exact career and the best college experience. I’m incredibly proud to be an alum of FAMU-FSU College of Engineering!”
Her academic experience was particularly enriched during advanced coursework. “When I started taking classes at the College of Engineering, especially Thermal Fluids I, I realized how much I loved fluid dynamics,” Mayans said. This discovery would prove prescient, as fluid dynamics forms the theoretical foundation for cryogenic engineering applications.
Recognizing the importance of research experience, Mayans proactively approached Professor Wei Guo to inquire about conducting research in cryogenics. “I was immediately intrigued and wanted to learn as much as I could, so I reached out to Professor Guo and asked if I could conduct research with him to better understand cryogenics,” she said.
Advanced Research and Professional Development
During her senior year, Mayans was assigned to a NASA project with the Marshall Space Flight Center that focused on cryogenic fluids as part of her senior design class. “That experience sparked my passion for the field and I eventually chose to continue researching cryogenics for my master’s thesis—because, you know, a regular thesis just wasn’t challenging enough!” she said.
After graduating with her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida State University and the joint college in 2023, Mayans successfully transitioned into her role as a cryogenics software engineer with NASA’s Liquid Hydrogen Ground and Flight Application Software (LH2 GFAS) team.
Professional Impact at NASA Kennedy Space Center
In her current position, Mayans plays a crucial role in supporting launch operations for historic missions like Artemis II. As a cryogenics software engineer, she develops and maintains sophisticated software systems that ensure the safety and efficiency of liquid hydrogen fueling during rocket launches. Her responsibilities include implementing critical safety protocols and monitoring systems that guarantee seamless operations at the iconic Kennedy Space Center.
“Working at NASA wasn’t something I originally envisioned for myself,” Mayans shares. “But the opportunity to sit on console for a launch—especially this early in my career—has been an incredible experience and allowed me to explore various paths in engineering while honing my core skills.”
Her professional achievements extend beyond routine engineering tasks. “I never expected to work at NASA or to be selected by my lead to sit console for terminal count during Artemis II, but I came to work every day with a can-do attitude, ready to learn from anyone and everyone willing to teach me,” Mayans said.
Mentorship and Academic Inspiration
Throughout her academic journey, Mayans benefited from exceptional faculty mentorship. “One of my favorite teachers was Professor Simone Peterson Hruda, my thermodynamics professor,” she recalled. “To this day, I can still hear her say ‘pressurahhh’ in a British accent—it always makes me smile. Thermodynamics was one of the first core classes and she had a way of slowing things down and explaining complex concepts in a manner that made sense.”
Strategic Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Drawing from her extensive experience, Mayans offers valuable guidance for students considering aerospace engineering careers. “Ask questions—even those that may seem dumb or obvious. A curious mind is ready to learn,” she advises. She strongly encourages students to maximize office hours for guidance and support, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships with faculty members.
“My biggest piece of advice? Stay curious. Keep asking questions. That’s how you learn, grow and contribute to something bigger than yourself,” Mayans said.
Future Implications for Engineering Education
Mayans’ success story exemplifies the transformative potential of mechanical engineering education in preparing graduates for specialized aerospace careers. Her trajectory from undergraduate research to professional excellence at NASA demonstrates how strategic academic choices, combined with persistent curiosity and proactive engagement, can lead to meaningful contributions in cutting-edge technological domains.
As aerospace engineering continues to evolve with emerging technologies and space exploration initiatives, professionals like Mayans represent the next generation of engineers who will shape humanity’s future beyond Earth. Her commitment to continuous learning and problem-solving excellence positions her as a role model for aspiring engineers seeking to make significant contributions to aerospace innovation.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 4 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI optimized the article for SEO discoverability, improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: June 16, 2025.
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