Ronald Gamble: Goodbye NASA
Keith’s note: In what will soon become commonplace another valuable and valued employee is leaving NASA: Ronald Gamble, Jr, Ph.D., a Theoretical Astrophysicist in the Astrophysics Science Division at NASA GSFC. He posted this on LinkedIn: “An amazing thing happens when you pursue a dream and achieve it — you transform. It is a metamorphosis that forever changes you. These last four years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and The University of Maryland have been the most transformative and invigorating time in my career and I will never forget the work and connections I’ve made.” (more below)
At 4 years old I told my mom ‘I’m going to work at NASA’, and in 2021 on my mother’s birthday that dream came true. It was a gift to her (and both my parents) that all the worry and prayers were fulfilled. Their son became a “NASA Astrophysicist”. Ever since then I called NASA home and finally found my “astro-family”.
I still recall the sleepless nights in school, the rejection letters from programs and jobs, even people from my own community saying ‘give up’ ‘choose a different career that will get you a job’. But what I remember most is the fire that ignited when I received my coveted offer letter from the Astrophysics Science Division & The University of Maryland – College Park. I felt truly unstoppable. I have an incredible amount of gratitude towards Rita M. Sambruna at NASA and Abebe Kebede at my alma mater North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for sparking this flame!
During my time at NASA I have conducted my own research on the essence of black holes and galactic jets. Topics that most students at HBCUs dream about because they do not have the resources to study it. I created on the most impactful student development programs in astrophysics, the NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program, that reached over 600+ participants across six continents. I’ve contributed to reviews of legendary NASA missions and help create a transformative program that spanned the agency in the MOSAICS program. Even with all of the awards and accolades that I have received, my most cherished accomplishment during my time has been the impact I have been able to provide to students. Mentorship is at my core and it has been one my motivations for all that I have accomplished.
What’s next? — my path isn’t set yet, so there’s more updates to come. I am looking for positions in which I can continue to study the wonders of the universe and make an impact on students’ careers in STEM. As my time at NASA comes to a close I will continue to make sure students build careers at their fullest potential and continue my scientific pursuits. That’s my job and my passion. Please reach out if you have any opportunities that support my next steps.
I will officially say ‘goodbye’ to NASA and UMD – College Park on September 30th, but I’m saying ‘see you later’ to all my friends and family across the STEM universe. A special shoutout to my Cosmic Origins & Physics of the Cosmos teams, the APD engagement team, AstroComms, Curious Universe, and social media teams, and ALL MY MENTEES!
Take care and stay curious
Cuídate y mantén la curiosidad
Dr. Ronald S. Gamble, Jr
*image was created by me