Sela Vazquez
Port Saint Lucie,FL
Quote
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.
Paul Brandt
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Physics and Engineering major with hands-on experience in astrophysical research and aerospace system design. Proven ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, driving innovative solutions in complex projects. Strong analytical skills complemented by a passion for advancing technology in the aerospace sector. Committed to leveraging technical expertise and a collaborative spirit to contribute effectively to cutting-edge research and development initiatives.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificates
Work History
STEM Pioneer Learning Assistant – Peer Tutor
Indian River State College
08.2025 - Current
- Providing academic support and encouraging students to become independent learners.
- Embedded in STEM courses of mathematics and science, managing and engaging with upwards to 30 students at a time.
- Mentoring and support of STEM Pioneer students, with personalized one-on-one sessions with an average of 5 students a day.
- Work with STEM Student Success Coaches, Academic Support Center, and STEM faculty.
- Monitor live streaming sections of mathematics and science.
- Cultivating and maintaining an environment that is conducive to student learning.
- Supported implementation of student-led conferences, boosting confidence and communication skills.
- Facilitated group learning sessions, encouraging peer-to-peer interaction and collaborative problem-solving.
- Helped struggling students achieve academic success through targeted interventions and consistent progress monitoring.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills through design of challenging assignments and projects.
Project Manager
L'SPACE NASA Writing and Proposal Evaluation Experience
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Worked alongside a team of individuals to develop a new piece of technology that targets NASA's pain points for the chance to win a $10,000 grant.
- Managed project development in coordination with the Primary Investigator and managed 3 sub-teams including Systems Engineering, Programmatic, and the Science Development sub-team.
- Led development of a Shell Document, New Technology Report, Proposal on an innovative design for a neural synchronization system to improve astronaut behavioral health and team coordination through continuous monitoring of neuro-physiological signals.
- Post Proposal submission, training to be placed on a review panel as a primary reviewer was received.
- Reviewed 3 separate team proposal within the same taxonomy as primary reviewer on a five hour review panel.
- Training and lectures were led each week by NASA Scientists and Engineers to guide in the proposal writing process.
Chief Scientist
NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy
05.2023 - 10.2025
- Participant in an unpaid virtual NASA workforce preparation academy dedicated to teaching space mission concept formulation through science, engineering, programmatic, and teaming skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge by following the NASA mission life cycle, up to submission of a Preliminary Design Review, for a robotic space mission.
- Attended and engaged in weekly lectures taught by NASA scientists, engineers, and managers.
- Led the development of the mission’s science goals, objectives, and top-level success criteria.
- Put in an average of 29 hours a week, with upwards of 88 hours a week.
- Demonstrated by developing a science traceability matrix for two scientific goals, each containing four objectives, and developing the instrumentation for the scientific payload of the mission.
- Developed mission science and experimentation a mission to Mars with the objective of using radio trophic fungi as a shield against ionizing radiation, and observe the variability and likelihood of water-ice sublimation of surface exposed ice based on the time of year on Mars.
- Coordinated with the Project Manager to relay all sub-team developments, ensure team-wide understanding of science goals, and ensure engineering design is aligned with science goals for mission success.
- Led research for landing site selection to ensure that mission objectives were being fulfilled and success criteria were met through the use of JMARS and the Mars SWIM map.
- Directed cross-functional teams in product development efforts, accelerating time-to-market for new solutions.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the scientific team, promoting professional growth and skill development.
Volunteer Math Tutor
Canyon High School
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided one-on-one virtual tutoring in Algebra 1 and 2 to high school students
- Conducted as-needed tutoring sessions
- Developed individualized learning strategies to improve student comprehension
- Demonstrated initiative by independently researching advanced topics to provide comprehensive support
- Utilized digital tools and virtual platforms to maintain engaging remote learning environments
- Assisted struggling students in building a strong foundation in basic math skills to improve overall performance in advanced courses.
- Enhanced student retention of math skills with engaging lesson plans and regular practice exercises.
Education
Associate of Arts - Physics
Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL05.2026
Skills
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)
- Siemens NX CAD (Certification Route)
- Planetary Science
- Project Leadership
- Requirements Development
- Team Communication
- Public Communication and Outreach
- In-Situ Resource Prospecting and Utilization
- Aerospace Spacecraft Design/Design Engineering
- Management of an interdisciplinary virtual team environment
- Technical Formatting, Writing, and Review
- Quantitative Communication
- Scientific Instrumentation Design
- Scientific Data Collection, Analysis, and Computing
- Technical Presentation and Communication
- Space Mission Conceptualization, Design, and Development
- Ionizing and Solar Radiation Research
- Technical Data Analysis
- Technical Documentation (Mission Concept Review, Systems Requirements Review, Mission Definition Review, Preliminary Design Review, New Technology Report, New Technology Proposal)
- Technical Peer Review
- Radiation Mitigation Techniques
- Large-Scale 3D Printing Equipment and Techniques
- Vendor Communications
- Physical Science Research
- Schematic Design
- NASA Project Lifecycle
- Project Lifecycle Management
- Complex Assembly Design
- Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS)
- Mars Water Resource map SWIM (MWR)
- Time management and scheduling
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Self-directed learning and research
- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Scientific Research and Development
Certification
- NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy Certificate of Completion - 2025
- L'SPACE NASA Proposal and Writing Evaluation Experience Certificate of Completion - 2025
- NX CAD Design – Associate Level certification (In Progress)
- NASA ARSET - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Certificate of Completion (In Progress)
- NASA GeneLab4U - Certificate of Completion (In Progress)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Project Manager
L'SPACE NASA Writing and Proposal Evaluation Experience
10.2025 - 12.2025
STEM Pioneer Learning Assistant – Peer Tutor
Indian River State College
08.2025 - Current
Chief Scientist
NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy
05.2023 - 10.2025
Volunteer Math Tutor
Canyon High School
01.2020 - 01.2022
Associate of Arts - Physics
Indian River State College