For more than 20 years Lakiesha Vessel Hawkins has enjoyed a rewarding career both in commercial spaceflight and with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Hawkins currently serves NASA as the Chief of Avionics Systems Integration at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In this role, she manages the technical leadership that integrates hardware and software controlling NASA’s next-generation launch vehicle, the Space Launch System (SLS).
Previously, Hawkins was assigned to NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where she developed in-space propulsion strategies to take humans to Mars. In her early career, she tested multimillion dollar propulsion systems that helped power the Space Shuttle.
Recognition of Hawkins’ career contributions include the Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA’s second-highest honor.
Hawkins holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Florida A&M University through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and a MS in engineering management-industrial engineering from the University of South Florida.
Hawkins in active in several professional and civic organizations. She relishes opportunities to mentor students and young professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She is a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and is active with the Alabama Women’s Commission, the Links Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Hawkins believes strongly in the alignment of her professional and personal life. She is married to John Hawkins, Jr., also an aerospace engineer, and considers her role as mother to Shala and John III to be the most fulfilling.
Hawkins was honored as a Distinguished Alumni by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering department of mechanical engineering in April 2018.