“Mission Uncharted: Heather Seagren’s Journey in NASA Travel Coordination”

An act of courage taken by Heather Seagren eight years prior led the Gulf Coast local to a new experience, while also bringing her back to a known location at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, located near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

After completing her studies at Pearl River Community College, Seagren served as an office manager in a pediatric practice. She envisioned a long-term career within the healthcare sector until an opportunity arose at the southern Mississippi NASA facility that “sort of landed in my lap,” she remarked.

The NASA Shared Services Center, situated at NASA Stennis, was on the lookout for staff in its travel division, prompting Seagren to submit an application.

“There are a multitude of different roles here, and my primary advice was to avoid doubting your choices,” she stated. “It represented a significant transition for me, but I took the plunge and found myself in my current position, even though it was in an entirely different professional sector.”

A new professional sector indeed, yet not an unfamiliar environment. Seagren was raised in Pearlington, Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the country’s largest facility for propulsion testing. Her grandfather, Grover “Shu-Shu” Bennett, retired from NASA Stennis after serving as a tugboat captain, assisting in transporting rocket propellants via the site’s canal system to the testing stands at NASA Stennis.

Much like her grandfather ensured that rocket engine fuel arrived at its destination punctually, Seagren fulfills a similar responsibility for NASA personnel by orchestrating travel arrangements. Presently, she holds a comparable position as a financial management specialist at NASA Stennis.

Collaborating with astronauts, engineers, and numerous other NASA staff, every trip differs, which is an aspect of her role that Seagren finds gratifying.

What remains consistent is that the journeys arranged by Seagren align with NASA’s mission to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos for the benefit of humanity.

The resident of Kiln, Mississippi, plays a crucial role in the NASA mission by coordinating the details of scheduling flights, securing accommodations, and organizing itineraries.

“The most rewarding aspect of being at NASA Stennis is the opportunity to experience everything,” she reflected. “It’s always fascinating to observe the various projects and responsibilities that others are engaged in. The process basically initiates with the travel department. … It may seem like a small step, yet we are involved, ensuring everyone reaches their destinations when required, so I find that quite remarkable.”