James's interest in aerospace grew from an appreciation for complex systems and the careful balance between human judgment and technical precision. I was drawn to environments where preparation matters, decisions carry weight, and people are trusted to act with care. That perspective developed through an education grounded in systems thinking, public service, and economics, in which studying incentives, trade-offs, and resource allocation shaped my approach to complex decisions. It deepened when I was selected as a Presidential Management Scholar after graduate school. That experience introduced me to national-level problem-solving and eventually led me to NASA, where those same values continue to guide both technical and organizational work.

I entered aerospace through leadership development and public service rather than a purely technical pathway. With a foundation in economics, I learned early to think carefully about constraints, consequences, and responsibility. The Presidential Management Scholar program played an important role in that transition, offering exposure to diverse federal missions, mentorship, and opportunities to learn across organizations. It emphasized accountability, clarity, and purpose—principles that naturally align with aerospace environments, where structure and mission are closely connected. This scholarship oppurtunity reinforced the things that Moma taught me.  Which was that manners will take you where brains and money can't.

These works that have stayed with me the most have shown steady coordination, thoughtful execution, and collaboration across disciplines. That leads to projects where policy, education, and operations come together to serve broader national goals. In these settings, I have shown how patience, consistency, and respect for process help transform complex ideas into meaningful outcomes. Those lessons reflect what I was taught early on through Momma’s rules: do your work honestly, take responsibility for your actions, and treat people fairly, even when no one is watching.

One ongoing challenge in aerospace is navigating complexity across organizations with their own priorities and constraints. My experience taught me to approach this thoughtfully by clarifying expectations early, fostering alignment, and documenting decisions with care. Training in economics reinforced the importance of understanding incentives and limits, while public service emphasized accountability to others. Integrity in process, being transparent, consistent, and reliable, often prevents failure long before technical issues arise. I was raised to believe that doing the right thing matters more than doing the easy thing.

In times of stress or uncertainty, I found focus in the sense of purpose. Public service grounds its perspective, and remembering the mission restores momentum and balance.

This perspective also shapes my approach to teamwork and leadership. Aerospace thrives when people listen, communicate openly, and respect expertise. Leadership shows up through integrity, humility, and sound judgment, qualities reinforced by experience and rooted in what he learned at home.

For those considering a career in aerospace, I see the field as both a technical pursuit and a form of service. Seek experiences that foster learning, collaboration, mentorship, and accountability. Move with patience, remain curious, and let integrity guide your work. Ultimately, lasting impact comes from consistently doing the work well, honoring commitments, and living by Momma’s rules. Once established, it is not just the foundation, but the standard that drives aerospace forward and inspires trust in all we accomplish.