Heather Seagren grew up near NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center and visited for field trips as a child. Now, as a financial management specialist, Seagren coordinates work trips for NASA employees at the south Mississippi NASA center. <\/div>\n
NASA\/Danny Nowlin<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
A leap of faith for Heather Seagren eight years ago brought the Gulf Coast native to something new, yet also returned her to a familiar place at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.<\/p>\n
Following graduation from Pearl River Community College, Seagren worked as an office manager at a pediatric office. Seagren anticipated a full career in the medical field until an opportunity at the south Mississippi NASA center \u201ckind of fell in my lap,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The NASA Shared Services Center, located at NASA Stennis, was hiring for its travel department, so Seagren applied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are many different roles here, and my biggest thing was, do not second guess your decisions,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a big change for me, and I made the leap and ended up where I am today, even though it was a completely different career field.\u201d<\/p>\n
A new career field, yes, but not a new place. Seagren grew up in Pearlington, Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the nation\u2019s largest propulsion test site. Her grandfather, Grover \u201cShu-Shu\u201d Bennett, retired from NASA Stennis as a tugboat captain, helping to deliver rocket propellants along the site canal system to the test stands at NASA Stennis.<\/p>\n
Just as her grandfather ensured the rocket engine fuel made it to its destination on time, Seagren does the same for NASA employees by coordinating travel plans. She now is in a similar role as a NASA Stennis financial management specialist.<\/p>\n
Working with astronauts, engineers, and many other NASA employees, no two trips are alike, which is a part of the job Seagren enjoys.<\/p>\n
What is similar is the trips coordinated by Seagren align with NASA\u2019s mission to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all.<\/p>\n
The Kiln, Mississippi, resident plays a vital role in the NASA mission by bringing together the details of booking flights, arranging accommodations, and managing schedules.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best thing about working at NASA Stennis is getting to experience everything,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is always interesting to see what other projects and duties everybody is doing. The process kind of starts with the travel department. \u2026 It is a small step, but we are involved, making sure everybody is where they need to be, when they need to be there, so, I think that is pretty cool.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Heather](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/s25-001-heather-seagren-e1735836147165.jpg\")
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